Brandon Aiyuk’s Time in San Francisco Appears to Be Ending - and the Commanders Are Watching Closely
The writing on the wall in San Francisco is getting harder to ignore: Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers seem headed for a split. And if that door closes, the Washington Commanders may be ready to open another one.
There’s no official move yet, but 49ers GM John Lynch didn’t exactly sound optimistic about salvaging the relationship. Aiyuk has reportedly disengaged from the team-skipping rehab sessions and not pushing back when San Francisco voided the guaranteed money on his 2026 contract.
That’s not the behavior of a player expecting to be part of the long-term plan. And while head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn’t ruled out a return this season, there’s a clear sense that hope is fading fast.
Lynch acknowledged that the situation hasn’t been ideal. He spoke about trying to find common ground but also made it clear that professionalism hasn’t always been present on both sides.
“I don't necessarily know that the reporting was an inflection point, but I think, the entire time, it hadn't been great,” Lynch said. “And so, you do your best to rectify those things, and then, everyone's got to be professionals and conduct themselves in that manner.”
Translation? This has been brewing for a while, and the 49ers may be nearing the point of no return.
Why Washington Makes Sense
If Aiyuk becomes available, the Commanders are expected to be one of the first teams to pick up the phone. There’s a compelling case for why Washington would make that move.
Start with the connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels. Aiyuk and Daniels built chemistry during their time together at Arizona State, and the idea of reuniting them in Washington is more than just a feel-good story-it’s a potentially dynamic offensive pairing.
Aiyuk is a proven route technician with big-play ability, and Daniels is the kind of quarterback who can extend plays and create opportunities downfield. That pairing could fast-track the development of Washington’s offense.
Then there’s the familiarity factor. Commanders GM Adam Peters knows Aiyuk well from his time in San Francisco.
That history matters, especially when you’re evaluating a player with recent injury concerns and questions about his locker room presence. Peters has seen Aiyuk up close-he knows what makes him tick, what kind of competitor he is, and what he can bring when fully healthy and engaged.
And Washington has already shown it’s a place where players can reset their narratives. Just look at Deebo Samuel Sr., who has reportedly found his footing under head coach Dan Quinn. The culture in Washington is shifting, and that could be exactly what Aiyuk needs.
The Health Question
Of course, it’s not all upside. Aiyuk’s availability is a real concern.
He suffered a serious knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season and is unlikely to play at all in 2025. That’s a long layoff for a player whose game relies on precision, timing, and explosiveness.
Missing that much time raises fair questions: Can he regain his old form? Will he still have the burst that made him so dangerous after the catch? And how will that time away from the field affect his market value?
These are the questions Peters and the Commanders’ front office will have to weigh. The upside is undeniable, but the risk is real. Aiyuk’s next team won’t just be betting on talent-they’ll be betting on recovery, on mindset, and on the belief that a fresh start can reignite a stalled career.
What Comes Next
The 49ers haven’t made anything official, but Lynch’s comments suggest the end is near. And when a player of Aiyuk’s caliber hits the market-especially one with built-in chemistry with a young franchise quarterback-teams take notice.
For Washington, the potential reward could be worth the gamble. If Aiyuk can get healthy and reconnect with Daniels, the Commanders might just find themselves with one of the more intriguing quarterback-receiver tandems in the league.
Stay tuned. This one feels like it’s only just getting started.