Brandon Aiyuk wants to play for the Commanders. If that somehow wasn’t clear at this point, the super-talented, super-disgruntled 49ers receiver mentions it almost every day on social media.
It started with wearing burgundy and/or gold. Then he just started rocking Commanders gear or pinning his location to Virginia. Aiyuk abandoned all pretense on Sunday night, shouting “Go Commanders” and “Raise Hail.”
It’s clear that Aiyuk wants the 49ers to cut him and Washington to subsequently sign. The Commanders
have gone dark on this topic. While they can’t tamper with a player under contract with another team, we haven’t even heard leaks of Commanders interest.
The links are strong because Aiyuk used to play with quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State. General manager Adam Peters was in San Francisco when Aiyuk was drafted. Unsigned veteran Stefon Diggs and DMV native is also connected with the Commanders.
Why?
And, as important as anything in this equation, the Commanders have a perceived need at receiver.
Terry McLaurin’s an excellent player and a clearcut No. 1. There’s no presumptive No. 2.
The Commanders drafted Antonio Williams in the third-round. They re-signed Treylon Burks, a former first-rounder regularly hampered by injuries. They added veteran Van Jefferson and brought Dyami Brown back after a year in Jacksonville. Plus, Luke McCaffrey returns for a third season with the Commanders and Jaylin Lane’s back for his second.
Washington has had a full offseason program, including last week’s mandatory minicamp, to evaluate these guys. The reviews, from coaches and media watching open practices, have been positive.
Head coach Dan Quinn offered his perspective on receiver standouts last week.
“A number of them have,” Quinn said in a press conference last week. “I would say on the outside, Van Jefferson has been somebody that’s really caught my eye. Having Dyami back has been excellent as well. I hit him up after practice the other day. There’s just a good intensity about him, a good mindset of where he is at. And so, he’s somebody that I’ve been super impressed with. Just off the bat, it’s good to see Lane and McCaffrey making their jumps in. Those are a few that jump to mind. But having Dyami back full of speed, and having Van here, he’s an excellent route runner going into it. And then inside the slot, those would be the two that jump out.”
Each of the receivers mentioned above have been complimented at one point this spring. It’s possible that one of them will emerge as a steady No. 2 option during training camp and the preseason. It’s also possible that offensive coordinator David Blough will use a combination of guys depending on the situation and an individual’s strength.
Or Aiyuk or Diggs could sign up and move to the front of the line.
No matter what, Commanders still want functional depth at the position.
“We talk about it like you’re trying to build a basketball roster,” Blough said during OTAs. “You don’t want all guys who can do the same thing.”
Let’s take a look at some top Commanders options at No. 2 and how they all might realisticially fit into the depth chart:
Treylon Burks
Burks seems the likeliest player to grab hold of the No. 2 spot. He’s a talented, physical receiver with first-round NFL draft pedigree, which is always intriguing. Can he stay healthy and realize potential?
That hasn’t happened to this point for a guy who hasn’t played more than 11 games or exceeded 444 receiving yards in a season.
He has produced some highlight-reel plays but hasn’t established himself as a true threat at this level.
Antonio Williams
The Clemson product has been considered a potential Day 2 draft steal and someone who could make an instant impact. He has done serious damage from the slot, but can play on the outside as well. All receivers will move around in Blough’s system, but the rookie could see some real action if he earns it.
Expecting a third-round selection to be a true No. 2 in his first year is a stretch, but it’s fair to say he could be a significant contributor.
Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson
The fifth-year veteran has received his flowers for a solid offseason’s work but has generally been a fringe producer during his time in the league. Can he ramp things up in a big way? That’s another stretch, but a career high in receiving yards (above 308) might be fair.
Jefferson has been around the block, playing with four teams over his six NFL seasons. He’s a veteran presence in the receiver room but has consistently been a No. 3 or 4 to this point.
Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane
McCaffrey’s an intriguing talent with his best yet ahead. Even if he’s primarily a slot receiver, there’s potential evident in 2025 before he suffered a broken collarbone. McCaffrey shuld be a solid fit for Blough’s system and he could earn a pronounced role with breakout possibilities.
Lane was a fourth-round pick last year with a lightning quick 4.34-second 40-yard dash and is capable of taking the top off a defense. Continued development could help him play more offense this season.
Which in-house candidate has the best chance of being the Commanders No. 2 receiver? Let us know in the comments below:
