The Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills are on the hunt for wide receiver talent as the 2026 season approaches. Both teams have pressing needs in their receiving corps that could shape their upcoming campaigns.
For the Commanders, the potential departure of Deebo Samuel in free agency could leave a significant gap alongside Terry McLaurin. This situation isn't ideal for quarterback Jayden Daniels, who will need reliable targets to maintain offensive momentum.
In Buffalo, the Bills are searching for a standout No. 1 receiver to complement Josh Allen. The team has faced challenges, with Keon Coleman not meeting expectations and Joshua Palmer's stint as a free-agent acquisition in 2025 falling flat.
One name that stands out for both teams is San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. ESPN's Aaron Schatz has described Aiyuk as a player who might benefit from a change of scenery.
Despite a dip in his numbers in 2024, when he recorded just 374 receiving yards, Aiyuk has shown his prowess in the past. In 2023, he led the league in receiving DVOA with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
However, Aiyuk's journey hasn't been smooth. After issues with the 49ers led to the voiding of his $120 million contract guarantees, he parted ways with the team.
General Manager John Lynch has confirmed that Aiyuk's time with the Niners has ended. The challenge for San Francisco now is finding a trade partner, especially considering Aiyuk's injury history, including a torn ACL and MCL in 2024.
Despite the risks, Aiyuk's potential affordability makes him an intriguing option. The Commanders seem like a logical landing spot, given Aiyuk's connection to Washington's GM Adam Peters and his former college quarterback, Jayden Daniels. It's likely that Daniels will advocate for Aiyuk's arrival in Washington.
The Bills, however, shouldn't be discounted in this pursuit. With a pressing need at wide receiver and limited cap space, Aiyuk could be an attractive option for Buffalo, especially if his price tag remains low.
In the end, while both teams have compelling reasons to pursue Aiyuk, the connections and circumstances might just tip the scales in favor of him joining the Commanders.