Significant changes are coming to the Washington Commanders' roster this offseason. They have failed to meet lofty targets through 11 games. When most expected head coach Dan Quinn's squad to be contending for the Super Bowl, they are 3-8 with more questions than answers about the franchise's direction.
All hope is not lost yet, but general manager Adam Peters must make the moves needed to get things back on track. This all starts with surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with the weapons required to flourish.
And one bombshell insider report should put the Commanders on high alert.
Commanders should keep an eye on developments between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers
Dianna Russini from The Athletic revealed that Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers could be heading for a messy divorce. The club voided any guaranteed money on his deal next season amid growing frustration with his attitude. The wide receiver didn't contest the move, which could mean he's released once the campaign concludes.
"[Brandon] Aiyuk, sources say, has failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months, and the 49ers have grown increasingly frustrated with the receiver’s lack of communication. The 49ers, sources say, responded by voiding the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations. Aiyuk, according to multiple league sources, told NFL Players Association representatives that he did not want to fight the move via an official grievance. That would clear the way for his expected release at season’s end."
Dianna Russini
The connections need no introduction. Peters was part of San Francisco's front office when they drafted Aiyuk. He's also friends with Daniels from their time together at Arizona State. They remain extremely close, so this could be the wideout's first preferred choice if the Niners cut him loose.
Nothing has been confirmed one way or another. The Commanders should be keeping a close eye on developments, and they wouldn't be the only team interested in Aiyuk if San Francisco gives up on this experiment way ahead of time. But given the current state of Washington's receiver room, an approach seems highly likely.
And if Daniels has any say in the matter, Aiyuk will be in a Commanders' uniform next season.
There are hurdles to overcome. Much will depend on the money involved and whether Aiyuk's health complicates matters, but the already established relationships in Washington could see him hit the ground running in this scenario.
It'll be interesting to see if the Niners eventually go through with this report. But make no mistake; Peters should kick the tires if he gets the chance.