Former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis recently shared insights into some of his former players from Arizona State, including Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, running back Rachaad White, and receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Lewis joined Ben Standig on the "Last Man Standig" podcast to discuss these players, starting with Rachaad White. The Commanders picked up White on a one-year deal in free agency, and Lewis had nothing but praise for the running back.
"Rachaad is a really gifted player," Lewis noted. "He’s versatile-he can catch, run, block-and he’s a great teammate."
Lewis acknowledged that White felt overlooked when Tampa drafted another running back, but encouraged him to stay focused. "Keep doing what you’re doing, and everything will be fine," Lewis advised.
When Standig mentioned White's close friendship with Jayden Daniels, Lewis added a light-hearted twist, saying, "BA (Brandon Aiyuk) would argue with him on that one. Jayden is everybody’s best friend. It’s one of his great qualities."
The conversation then shifted to Brandon Aiyuk, who has been linked to the Commanders after the 49ers decided not to bring him back in 2026. Lewis expressed a desire to help Aiyuk navigate his contract situation, acknowledging the tough decisions Aiyuk has made. "He’s walked away from a lot of money," Lewis said, highlighting the challenges of recouping those losses.
Lewis advised the Commanders and GM Adam Peters to consider Aiyuk’s attitude carefully. "If we bring him in and sign him, how is he going to react if another receiver gets a better deal?"
Lewis questioned. He emphasized the importance of understanding the team’s financial dynamics, reminding players that not everyone can be the highest-paid.
Lewis also expressed concern about Aiyuk’s ability to bounce back after missing a year of football, noting the difficulty of returning to form.
In all, Lewis provided a blend of admiration and caution, offering valuable insights into the dynamics and decisions facing these talented players.