Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the San Francisco 49ers, even though he is still technically a member of the organization. Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona State product was once one of the game’s better young receivers and an efficient leader of San Francisco’s passing attack. A perfect fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, Aiyuk helped San Francisco make the Super Bowl with a dominant 2023, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns while earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.
This impressive season earned him a four-year, $120 million contract, but this proved to be a poor investment. The wide receiver played in just seven games in 2024, recording 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns on 47 targets before suffering a season-ending injury. He then went off the deep end, abandoning the team in 2025, missing his rehab appointments, and effectively demanding his release. The 49ers will grant that request before long, and Brandon Aiyuk has made it clear that he wants to join the Washington Commanders and reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, as the two played together in college. However, that probably won’t happen.
Brandon Aiyuk Probably Won’t Join Commanders After Latest Tirade
It’s clear that Jayden Daniels and Brandon Aiyuk used to have a strong relationship, but those days are likely over after the wide receiver’s latest social media post. Taking to Instagram, the former first-round pick started trash-talking the quarterback and made fun of his relationship with his mom. The two unfollowed each other on social media, which further suggests this relationship is heavily strained.
Even before this post, it’s fair to wonder if the Washington Commanders would have signed Brandon Aiyuk. While the team could use another wide receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin, Aiyuk might not be the answer to their problems. While nobody can deny his talents, he’s speedrunning Antonio Brown’s late career and hasn’t played football in over a year. Even in 2024, he didn’t play well after receiving his massive extension.
If the Commanders want another wide receiver, they should take a look at free agent Stefon Diggs. While Diggs comes with his own off-field issues, he had a 1,000-yard season last year and doesn’t appear to be as much of a headcase as Aiyuk.
