Brandon Aiyuk’s path back to the NFL may be opening up, but Washington is not part of it.
Aiyuk has re-entered the league conversation after hiring Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent, applying for reinstatement to the NFL and meeting with the San Francisco 49ers on Friday. Even with the 49ers dealing with a need at receiver, the situation between the two sides appears beyond repair. Aiyuk has also said he will never play for San Francisco again.
The receiver has been out since suffering a knee injury during the 2024 season, though he is reportedly 100% and ready to return. Before that injury, his public feud with the 49ers had already stretched on for more than a year. During that same stretch, Aiyuk made it clear he wanted to land with the Washington Commanders.
That interest made sense on the surface because of Jayden Daniels. Aiyuk and Daniels were close friends from their one season together at Arizona State, and Daniels was a major part of why Aiyuk was so drawn to Washington. But last summer, Aiyuk posted a social media video that took aim at Daniels and his relationship with his mother, who is also his agent.
That move appears to have shut the door in Washington. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said on the “Rich Eisen Show” that the video is the main reason the Commanders should be crossed off any list of possible landing spots.
“I mean, he kind of said some things about Jayden Daniels’ mom,” Fowler said on the “Rich Eisen Show.”
“I can’t imagine that went over well in that locker room or with GM Adam Peters wanting to sign him after that. In fact, I know it didn’t.”
Fowler also wasn’t bullish on Aiyuk’s chances of landing anywhere and making an immediate impact, suggesting he may wind up on a practice squad.
For the 49ers, the goal is to move on quickly now that Aiyuk has applied for reinstatement. For Washington, even with injuries piling up at receiver, the answer still looks like no.
In Other News...
Myles Garrett Puts Rams Defensive Momentum To The Test Sunday
Brandon Colemans latest test comes with the kind of edge rush challenge that can change a game plan before it even settles in. The Commanders have leaned on the rookie tackle in a spot where every snap matters, and now he gets a look at Myles Garrett, whose presence alone forces offenses to account for the edge differently. For Washington, this is less about one isolated matchup than about whether Coleman can hold up when the pressure is coming from the leagues most disruptive pass rushers.
The timing makes it even more interesting because the Commanders are trying to keep their offensive rhythm intact while juggling the usual Week 9 injury and strategy questions. Colemans performance against Garrett could shape how much Washington can trust its protection on the perimeter, and that has obvious ripple effects for the rest of the offense. If the tackle can steady the edge, it gives the Commanders a chance to stay on schedule, but if not, Sunday could turn into a long afternoon. [Read more 🡒]
Rachaad White Has A Chance To Change Washingtons Trade Deadline Plans
Rachaad White has suddenly become a key figure in Washingtons plans at running back, and the timing matters with Jacory Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve and the NFL trade deadline approaching. White has handled the lead role for the Commanders, and while his overall production has been limited, there have been signs lately that he can give the offense something steadier than it has had for much of the season.
The most encouraging stretch came in recent games, including a strong showing against the Los Angeles Rams, which gave Washington at least a little reason to pause before looking outside the roster. The Commanders are still evaluating whether the current group can do enough to keep the backfield from becoming a deadline priority, and Whites next few outings could go a long way toward shaping whether the front office feels pressure to add help. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Suddenly Need Answers From Receivers They Havent Trusted Much
The Commanders receiver room has gone from established to unsettled fast, forcing Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough to reshape the week around players who have not been central to the offense. With Terry McLaurin, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown all dealing with injuries or practice absences that changed the plan, Washington has had to lean harder on backup options and spend more time sorting out who can handle real game work if the roster thins out further.
Luke McCaffrey and Van Jefferson have picked up more practice reps even though their roles have been limited up to this point, and the staff is also weighing personnel changes to keep the offense functional. One possibility is elevating Jaden Bradley, which would put him in line for his first regular-season NFL action and add another layer of uncertainty to a group already trying to find its footing. [Read more 🡒]