Earlier this month, 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed hope that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would come off the reserve/PUP list to play sometime this season. Almost two weeks later, optimism on that front “seems to have run out,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic writes.
Aiyuk hasn’t played in a game since he tore his right ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7 of 2024. He suffered the injury a couple of months after landing a four-year, $120MM extension.
After Aiyuk failed to attend offseason appointments to rehab his knee, the 49ers made the eye-opening move to void his 2026 guarantees last summer. Barring an unforeseen turnaround in their relationship, the two sides are likely headed for a divorce in the offseason.
The 49ers could attempt to find a trade partner for Aiyuk, but with his stock way down, it may be difficult. Whether the 49ers trade or release Aiyuk before June 1, they’d be left with $29.85MM in dead money. Parting with him after June 1 would allow San Francisco to spread the dead cap over two years. Aiyuk would count $13.25MM against the team’s cap in that scenario.
As for where Aiyuk might play next, Washington is a team to monitor. The belief is that Aiyuk would like to reunite with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Dan Graziano of ESPN reports. The two formed an excellent combination at Arizona State in 2019. Aiyuk caught 65 passes for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns en route to First-Team All-Pac-12 honors that year. The 49ers drafted him 25th overall during the ensuing spring.
Not only is Aiyuk familiar with Daniels, but it’s worth noting Commanders general manager Adam Peters was a key figure in the 49ers’ front office during the first four years of the wideout’s career. Peters is likely to hunt for offensive weapons in the wake of a disappointing season for the Commanders, which could lead to interest in Aiyuk. After advancing all the way to the NFC championship game last season, the injury-plagued Commanders will miss the playoffs this year. At 3-10, they’re on pace to draft in the top 10 next spring.
Terry McLaurin will return as Washington’s No. 1 receiver next year. However, Deebo Samuel (a former Aiyuk teammate in San Francisco) and Noah Brown are scheduled to reach free agency. Tight end Zach Ertz, one of the team’s leading receivers this year, is also unsigned beyond this season. The 35-year-old tore his ACL last week, further clouding his future.
Even if the Commanders bring any of their soon-to-be free agent pass catchers back, outside additions are likely. Daniels should be in position to rebound in 2026 if he stays healthy, which he hasn’t done this year, and has more talent surrounding him. Partnering with Aiyuk again could lead to a bounce-back campaign for both players, which would boost the Commanders’ chances of returning to playoff contention after a forgettable 2025.
How can you justify giving this player guaranteed money…? He’s had 2 above average NFL seasons, one holdout, two major injuries and then quit on his rehab???
He’s had four above average seasons. He’s had two star level seasons.
60 yards a game for 17 games is star level? There were 24 receivers with 1000 yards last year, are they all stars to you?
I’m obviously not talking about last year, and I don’t judge stardom by raw receiving yard totals. But two years ago he put up 1000 yards despite being in the offense that attempted the fewest passes and also had McCaffrey, Samuel, and Kittle.
60*17 is 1020 that was my point… being the deep threat on a team that runs the majority of the time would mean he’s just doing his job, not being a star. And I think we both agree he hasn’t been viewed as the number one or even number two threat ON HIS OWN TEAM his entire career. Similar to Jameson Williams last year in the Ben Johnson majority running offense. Who also had barely 1000 yards. I think both Aiyuk and Williams had or have the potential to be stars, but for mostly lack of maturity, neither will end up filling that potential.
Very different situations. Aiyuk was the number one passing target in that offense. Williams was not. And my point is that you’re trying to judge Aiyuk strictly by his numbers when his numbers were deflated by being part of a low volume passing attack with a lot of mouths to feed.
He’s not old enough to play for the Commanders.
Redskins don’t have the draft capital
Neither do the Oilers.
Best of luck, Commanders. I think you’ll end up needing it.
SF will trade Mac Jones & BA to Pittsburgh for 2 – 3rd rounders