Jayden Daniels Stats
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Washington COmmanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has thrown 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 24 career games played.
The Washington Commanders may be in the midst of a waiting game. It’s no secret that the team has been searching for a strongsecond option at receiver behind Terry McLaurin. The Commanders have been reportedly very active inattempting to sign some of the top pass-catching options throughout free agency, including Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs. Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft around the corner, their options are dwindling before they may be pressed to address this need in April. However, there is an option that the Commanders recently expressed interest in, if he were to become available.
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been a popular trade rumor for the Commanders for a couple of seasons now. His pre-existing relationship with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is well-reported. The two were teammates for the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2019.
Brandon Aiyuk College
GettyBrandon Aiyuk recorded 65 catches for 1,192 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2019 with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State University.
Aiyuk’stumultuous relationship with the 49ers led him to miss all of the 2025 season, and has only fueled rumors of him landing with Washington in the offseason.
49ers general manager John Lynch even stated that hedoesn’t expect Aiyuk to be on the team next year. “I think it’s safe to say that he’s played his last snap with the Niners,”Lynch told reporters in January. “It’s unfortunate. A situation that just went awry.”
The only questions now are, when will Aiyuk be moved, and will the Commanders truly pursue him?
One of those questions was answered recently.
The Washington Commanders Would Pursue Brandon Aiyuk On One Condition
Brandon Aiyuk Stats
GettyWide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has recorded 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in 69 games played with the San Francisco 49ers.
ESPN’sJohn Keim reported that, “Multiple team sources said Washington is well aware of Aiyuk’s desire to play with Daniels. But Aiyuk remains under contract and the Commanders would be unlikely to trade for him or, when free, sign him to anything other than a one-year, prove-it deal.”
Based on this report, the Commanders would take a chance on Aiyuk, but they are just waiting for the 49ers to pull the trigger and release him.
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner posted on X at the start of free agency that the 49ers were expected to release Aiyuk“very soon”.Wagoner’s post stated, “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.”
If and when the 49ers do make the move, the Commanders could check one of the final boxes of their extensive offseason plan.
The Commanders Have Checked Almost Every Box
After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Commanders had a lot of work to do if they wanted to put themselves in a position to build on their breakout 2024 season. And so far, general manager Adam Peters has nearly checked all of their boxes. The Commanders boasted the NFL’soldest 53-man roster in over a decade last year. So getting younger was definitely a priority for the front office. They also wanted to address the pass rush and add some edge rushers.
The Commanders have signed 12 new players this offseason. The average age of those players is 26.6 years old. Check one box for youth. Three of those players were defensive ends. Check another box for pass rushers acquired. If the team manages to add Aiyuk, their only other pressing need would bereplacing center Tyler Biadasz. Regardless, the front office has put themselves in a position to draft the best player available with the seventh overall pick in the upcoming draft.