Jayden Daniels Injured
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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels only played in seven games in 2025.
To say that the Washington Commanders have been active in free agency would be putting it lightly. All eyes were on general manager Adam Peters to right the ship after the team’s disappointing 2025 campaign. So far, he and his team have been putting in the work to do just that. The Commanders have signed several notable players, includingdefensive endOdafe Oweh,edge K’Lavon Chaisson,cornerback Amik Robertson, andtight end Chig Okonkwo. They have also been in the running for several other top-listed free agents, includingwide receivers Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs, as well asedge Trey Hendrickson.
The Commanders have addressed several areas of need, but one they continue to search for is another receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin. Deebo Samuel was a solid addition last year, but is currently a 30-year-old free agent who potentially doesn’t fit within the Commanders’ plans to get younger. Instead, the Commanders have been a popular projected landing spot for another 49ers receiver.
Brandon Aiyuk Expected to Be Released Very Soon
Nick Wagoner
With the new league year set to begin today, the #49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk. Could happen as soon as today, but certainly soon. Washington is the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, probably on a one-year prove it deal.
SF is expected to use post June 1 designation,
Nick Wagoner of ESPNtweeted that now that the new league year has begun, the San Francisco 49ers plan to release wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. He also stated that the move “could happen as soon as today, but certainly soon. Washington is the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, probably on a one-year prove it deal.”
Aiyuk joining the Commanders has been arumor for years now, given hisfriendship with Jayden Daniels,connection to general manager Adam Peters, and turbulent time in San Francisco.
Washington’s inability to lure one of the other top free-agent wide receivers really is what sets the stage for Aiyuk to join the team. Beyond some of the antics Aiyuk used to run himself out of San Fransico, the only thing the Commanders really have to be concerned about is his health.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Knee Reportedly Has Fully Recovered
Aiyuk College Stats
GettyBrandon Aiyuk recorded 65 catches for 1,192 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2019 with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State University.
Caleb Skinner of Sports Illustrated expanded on this,writing, “Aiyuk’s knee injury is still a concern since the 49ers don’t really have an idea of how his rehab process went. And the reason for them not knowing is that Aiyuk completely cut off contact with the front office and coaches, ultimately forcing his way out of San Francisco.”
Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the 49ers’ Week 7 matchup with theKansas City Chiefs during the 2024 season and hasn’t played a game in nearly 500 days since.
NFL ESPN Insider Lake Lewis Jr. revealed on theRio Robinson Show on March 4th that Aiyuk’s knee has fully recovered and that it was good enough to play last season. He stated that his absence from the field was purely a choice. “He just didn’t want to be out there [San Francisco]”.
Ultimately, an Aiyuk signing would be a risk, but one where the reward could outweigh the cost. In his lastfully healthy season, Aiyuk posted 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite that coming nearly three years ago in 2023, Aiyuk is still only 27 years old and projected to sign a deal worth around $12.3 million according toSpotrac. His upside, familiarity with Jayden Daniels, and cheap cost make him an ideal buy to fill a need.
For Aiyuk, his controversial end with the 49ers may have thrown him out of favor for several other clubs, and so it might be Washington or bust. This could lead to him signing an even more team-friendly deal, although the Commanders currently have the most cap space in the league, so regardless, they are good for it.