Brandon Aiyuk’s Future in Flux: Could Washington Be His Next Stop?
Just a year after signing a four-year, $120 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk’s time in the Bay Area might be nearing an unexpected end. What once looked like a long-term marriage between a rising star and a perennial contender now appears to be heading for a split.
According to multiple league insiders, including ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s growing belief that Aiyuk and the 49ers are preparing to part ways this offseason. Fueling the speculation?
Aiyuk recently scrubbed his social media of 49ers references-a move that, in today’s NFL, often signals more than just a rebrand. It’s a modern-day smoke signal, and fans-and front offices-are paying attention.
Now, with San Francisco potentially ready to move on, a surprising suitor is emerging from the NFC: the Washington Commanders.
A Familiar Face in D.C.
Washington might not be the first team that comes to mind when thinking about potential landing spots for Aiyuk, but the fit makes more sense the closer you look. For starters, there’s a personal connection-Aiyuk has a strong relationship with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former teammate at Arizona State. That bond could play a significant role if Aiyuk hits the open market or becomes available via trade.
There’s also a front office tie-in. Commanders general manager Adam Peters spent years in San Francisco's front office under John Lynch.
He knows Aiyuk well-his strengths, his upside, and how he fits into a system. That kind of familiarity can go a long way when evaluating potential additions, especially one with Aiyuk’s skillset.
Aiyuk’s 2024: A Season Derailed
Before a knee injury sidelined him in October, Aiyuk was having an up-and-down 2024 campaign. In seven games, he posted 374 receiving yards but failed to find the end zone.
That production was a step back from his breakout 2023 season, and while the inconsistency raised some eyebrows, the context matters. The 49ers’ offense has been loaded with talent, and it's not uncommon for touches to be distributed unevenly in a group that features the likes of Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey.
At 27, Aiyuk is still in his prime. He’s shown flashes of elite route running, strong hands, and the ability to stretch the field. If healthy, he’s more than capable of being a WR1-or at the very least, a high-end WR2 in a dynamic offense.
Washington’s WR Room Needs Help
The Commanders came into 2025 with high expectations after a surprise NFC Championship Game run last season. But this year’s campaign has been anything but smooth.
Injuries have decimated the roster, particularly on offense. Jayden Daniels has appeared in just six games due to a dislocated elbow and hasn’t played since early November.
Star wideout Terry McLaurin has only suited up five times.
That’s left Washington scrambling for answers in the passing game, and it’s clear they’ll need reinforcements heading into 2026. Aiyuk, if available, could be a game-changer-especially when paired with a healthy Daniels and McLaurin.
What’s Next?
While nothing is official yet, the signs are pointing toward a significant shakeup. If Aiyuk and the 49ers do go their separate ways, expect Washington to be firmly in the mix. The connection to Daniels, the front office familiarity, and the Commanders’ pressing need at wide receiver all make this a situation worth monitoring closely.
Aiyuk may not have finished 2024 the way he-or the 49ers-had hoped, but his talent is undeniable. Whether it’s in D.C. or elsewhere, his next stop could be the fresh start he needs to reestablish himself as one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers.