The Washington Commanders are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one thing is crystal clear: if they want to unlock the full potential of Jayden Daniels, they need to give him more to work with in the passing game. The promotion of David Blough to offensive coordinator brings a fresh perspective, but scheme alone won’t fix the issue. The Commanders need playmakers-guys who can separate, stretch the field, and make life easier for their young quarterback.
That brings us to Brandon Aiyuk-a name Commanders fans should be watching closely.
Aiyuk didn’t play a single snap in 2025 due to injury, and his situation with the San Francisco 49ers has gone from quiet to combustible. He’s reportedly cut off all contact with the team, and based on comments from Niners general manager John Lynch, the writing is on the wall.
“It’s safe to say he’s played his last snap with the Niners,” Lynch said.
That’s as definitive as it gets. And while Aiyuk hasn’t spoken publicly about the situation, the silence speaks volumes.
Now, here’s where things get interesting for Washington: Aiyuk and Jayden Daniels go way back. The two built a strong connection during their time at Arizona State, and they’ve stayed close ever since.
They train together, talk regularly, and by all accounts, have the kind of bond that quarterbacks and receivers dream about. That kind of chemistry doesn’t come around often-and it’s exactly what the Commanders could use.
There’s also reason to believe Aiyuk would welcome a reunion. Before signing his last deal with San Francisco, he reportedly expressed interest in playing with Daniels.
Now that his time with the 49ers appears to be over, he may finally get to choose where he lands. If that’s the case, Washington could be at the top of his list.
Of course, Commanders GM Adam Peters knows Aiyuk well-he worked alongside Lynch in San Francisco. That gives him valuable insight into both the player and the situation.
He’ll do his homework. Peters isn’t one to make emotional decisions, and he’ll want to understand exactly what went wrong in San Francisco before making any move.
One thing seems likely: a trade is off the table. No team is giving up draft capital for a player who’s seemingly on the verge of being released.
But if Aiyuk hits the open market, a short-term, prove-it deal could make a lot of sense for both sides. For Washington, it’s a low-risk bet on a high-upside talent.
For Aiyuk, it’s a chance to reset his career with a quarterback he trusts.
There’s no question this would be a gamble. Aiyuk’s injury history and recent behavior raise legitimate concerns. But if he’s healthy and motivated, he’s a dynamic addition to a receiving corps that, outside of Terry McLaurin, lacks consistent threats.
And for Daniels, having a familiar face who already understands his timing, his preferences, and his leadership style could be a game-changer. It’s not just about talent-it’s about trust. And that’s something you can’t coach.
The Commanders have a long way to go before they’re ready to contend, but giving their young quarterback a reliable weapon like Aiyuk could be a major step in the right direction.