Could Brandon Aiyuk Reunite with Jayden Daniels in Washington? Here's What We Know
As the NFL offseason heats up, one name to keep an eye on is Brandon Aiyuk. The wide receiver’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be nearing its end, and while nothing is official yet, the writing is on the wall. The relationship between Aiyuk and the Niners seems fractured beyond repair, and whether it ends via trade or release, a fresh start feels inevitable.
And if Aiyuk does hit the open market? Don’t be surprised if the Washington Commanders are one of the first teams to pick up the phone.
Why Washington Makes Sense
Let’s connect the dots. Aiyuk shares a strong bond with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels - the two were teammates at Arizona State, and their chemistry was undeniable back then.
Fast forward to now, and Washington is in serious need of reinforcements at wide receiver. Outside of Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ receiver room is thin, with Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey rounding out the current depth chart.
Enter Aiyuk - a dynamic, explosive playmaker when healthy, and someone who already has a rapport with the Commanders’ new franchise quarterback. It’s not hard to see why this potential reunion is gaining traction.
But there’s more to the story than just college connections and positional need.
The Adam Peters Factor
Washington’s new general manager, Adam Peters, knows Aiyuk well from their shared time in San Francisco. If anyone in the league has a clear read on Aiyuk’s value - both on the field and in the locker room - it’s Peters. That familiarity could work in Washington’s favor, or it could be the very reason they hesitate.
Peters will have to dig into the situation. Why did things fall apart so dramatically between Aiyuk and the Niners?
Why did communication reportedly break down entirely? These aren’t just surface-level questions - they’re the kind of red flags that can make or break a front office decision.
The Contract Conundrum
Then there’s the financial side. Aiyuk is due a hefty $27 million, a steep price for a player who hasn’t taken a snap since mid-2024 due to a significant knee injury. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell pointed out that unless Aiyuk is released or agrees to restructure his deal, it’s tough to see a team taking on that kind of salary - even one with a quarterback on a rookie deal like Washington.
That’s why a one-year, prove-it deal could be the most realistic path forward. It would give Aiyuk a chance to show he’s still the explosive weapon we saw in his prime while giving the Commanders a low-risk, high-reward option at a position of need.
Risk vs. Reward
Let’s be clear: there are real concerns here. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, and there’s no guarantee he’ll return to form. Add in the uncertainty around his relationship with the 49ers and the financial implications, and you’ve got a complicated situation.
But if the Niners decide to cut ties and Aiyuk becomes a free agent, Washington could be an ideal landing spot. The Daniels connection is strong, the roster fit is clear, and the front office already knows what they’d be getting.
The Commanders have plenty of questions to answer this offseason, but if they’re looking for a potential game-changer at wide receiver - and they’re comfortable with the risks - Brandon Aiyuk might just be worth the gamble.