When the new league year began, Washington Commanders fans were eagerly anticipating the release of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Although it's a risky acquisition, most around the league have concluded that he'll be reunited with quarterback and close friend Jayden Daniels next season, when the San Francisco 49ers eventually pull the plug.
However, one leading NFL insider believed the saga involving Aiyuk and the Niners could go on for a while yet.
Reports suggest Aiyuk is desperately trying to get himself to Washington and has been for some time. His relationship with Daniels, stemming from their college days at Arizona State, is a major reason. He's completely broken off contact with the Niners, who are voiding the guaranteed money on his deal without complaints from the player's side. All signs are pointing to a breakup. The question is when?
Brandon Aiyuk's potential Commanders switch may have to wait a little longer
Adam Schefter of ESPN didn't think San Francisco was planning to release Aiyuk immediately. The insider suggested that general manager John Lynch could see if there is a team willing to make a trade offer before deciding on further action. Whether that arrives or not is anyone's guess, but no departure is imminent.
"I would like to add on that they’re not planning to release him anytime soon. They essentially have no guaranteed money left on his contract, so they can hold onto him for the time being. I think they will be holding onto him to see if there’s any trade value at all. Washington does make a lot of sense. He played with Jayden Daniels in college. They’re very close. I’m sure Jayden would love to play again with Brandon Aiyuk, but I don’t get the sense that the 49ers are in any rush to move on."
Aiyuk will get cut in the end. But after his approach to this situation, Lynch can make things as difficult as he wants for the wideout.
Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan were completely perplexed and equally frustrated by Aiyuk's attitude throughout the campaign. They're not going to bow to his desires. There is no guaranteed money left on his contract, so they could very easily keep him on the books until the last minute if they choose to.
The 2020 first-round pick has already made things difficult enough. Not having him around didn't seem to affect the Niners last season. He didn't play, and they still made the playoffs despite a constant stream of frustrating injuries to key personnel. Aiyuk has no leverage but silence.
Washington will be keeping an eye on developments. Peters isn't pushing all his chips into the middle for Aiyuk. This will be a gamble, so finding another receiving option to go alongside Terry McLaurin would be desirable. Judging by his failed bids for Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs, the front-office leader is trying.
As for Aiyuk? It's a waiting game. And anyone expecting a quick resolution may be out of luck.