Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers look to be heading for an offseason breakup. And it didn't take long for speculation to rise regarding a potential move to the Washington Commanders.
The wide receiver had the guaranteed money on his contract voided amid accusations of a fractured relationship between Aiyuk and those in power. He didn't ask the NFL Players' Association to file a grievance, which Dianna Russini of The Athletic believes will lead to the wide receiver's release next spring. Although there would be a queue of suitors on the open market, Washington could be his No. 1 landing spot.
Aiyuk was drafted by San Francisco when Adam Peters held an influential position in the front office. The wideout is also extremely close with quarterback Jayden Daniels, stemming from their time in college at Arizona State. That doesn't guarantee anything, and there are significant injury red flags to factor in, but it's not hard to see why he would choose the Commanders over others if the interest were mutual.
Brandon Aiyuk and Jayden Daniels could be plotting a Commanders' reunion
The connection between Aiyuk and Daniels was evident once again during a recent social media video. The pair was on FaceTime together, and their bond was apparent. There was even a hint from the pass-catcher, saying he was "in that burgundy" after revealing the watch he bought for his old signal-caller. Unsurprisingly, this quickly got taken out of context by some sections of Washington's fan base.
🚨Brandon Aiyuk calls Jayden Daniels on FaceTime & shows him the watch he bought him.
Brandon then asks Jayden when he will be back from injury:
Jayden: “I’m back this weekend” 🤯 🤯🤯#jaydendaniels #brandonaiyuk #nfl #49ers #raisehail #fttb #commanders pic.twitter.com/CQGnsutBHo
— CulturedUpdates (@CulturedUpdatez) November 22, 2025
This release from Aiyuk's camp was interestingly timed. It came just a few short hours after Russini's bombshell revelations, which hinted that the receiver knew something was going to come out. He seems unbothered, letting things play out before focusing his attention on what comes next.
Aiyuk has missed a lot of football. The No. 25 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft suffered a serious knee injury after seven games in 2024. He is unlikely to play this season, so any team looking to take him will need to be suitably satisfied with his medical reports and rehabilitation progress.
Washington will do its due diligence, and Daniels will probably lobby hard if he hits the open market. Whether it becomes official or not is another matter.
The Commanders could use help in their receiver room. Aiyuk would be the best option available in free agency if the Niners cut him loose. The money needs to work, but Washington might be his preferred landing spot if the stars align.
And if Daniels has any say in the matter, Aiyuk will be in a Commanders' uniform next season.