As the world turns with Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers, another report from an NFL insider revealed the belief that the Washington Commanders will not look to trade for the controversial receiver. A trade for Aiyuk has always felt unlikely due to the contract number, commitment, and the confidence in Aiyuk’s commitment to playing football. Any return for Aiyuk would be in the final two rounds of the draft, in all likelihood.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported from Virginia, where the
Washington Commanders currently are, and reiterated the biggest issue holding Aiyuk back from being able to join the Commanders and his friend Jayden Daniels.
“I’ll use this end of things to tell you that the Washington Commanders are not looking to press for Brandon Aiyuk. And my understanding is if he becomes a free agent, they will then take a look at Brandon Aiyuk and the possibility of bringing him in and reuniting him with Jayden Daniels, who was sort of asked about Aiyuk today. When he talked about having a throwing session with his receivers and was asked, “Is anybody else gonna be there?” He sort of didn’t really answer that one.”
The elephant in the room is that Aiyuk reporting for training camp would be the quickest way to gain his release from the 49ers. There is little to no chance the 49ers will allow Aiyuk to hang around the building and would likely release him as soon as he reports. If Aiyuk doesn’t report, the 49ers don’t have to do anything. The list Aiyuk is on is for players who are typically retiring. The team wouldn’t be obligated to pay Aiyuk any money without his attendance.
Garafolo outlined plainly the process for Aiyuk to expedite his move to Washington.
“Brandon Aiyuk is a possibility here in Virginia. If the 49ers let him go at some point, and that could be before training camp, but Aiyuk sorta has to force the issue here. He has to show a willingness to show up in Santa Clara before the 49ers go, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. No, no, no. No, don’t worry, we don’t want you getting injured here. We are then going to release you.” And then at that point, I would say it is extremely likely he winds up in Ashburn, but a couple of steps until we get there.”
