San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially applied for reinstatement to the NFL. Now it’s only a matter of time before the 49ers release Aiyuk. While Aiyuk must resolve some financial issues with San Francisco, once he’s reinstated, the 49ers must either activate him or move on.
For months, Aiyuk made it clear he wanted to play for the Washington Commanders. He posted several videos and pictures on Instagram, wearing Commanders’ gear and saying he will eventually play for them. He even said he bought an estate in Virginia, near Washington’s Ashburn headquarters.
The primary reason Aiyuk wanted to play for the Commanders: quarterback Jayden Daniels. Aiyuk and Daniels played together for one season at Arizona State and are close.
However, in one of his bizarre social media rants, he took aim at Daniels, specifically his relationship with his mother, who also serves as his agent.
Aiyuk, who hasn’t played since October 2024, when he suffered a devastating knee injury, would still prefer to play for Washington. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently went on the "Rich Eisen Show" to explain why that’s unlikely.
“I mean, he kind of said some things about Jayden Daniels’ mom,” Fowler said. “I can’t imagine that went over well in that locker room or with GM Adam Peters wanting to sign him after that. In fact, I know it didn’t.”
It makes sense that it didn’t go over well in Washington’s locker room. On Saturday, though, fellow ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said he wouldn’t rule out Aiyuk to the Commanders just yet.
The Commanders haven’t completely abandoned the idea of adding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who was rumored during the summer to end up in Washington, according to sources. Before an Aiyuk deal could happen -- if it were to happen -- the organization would have to have discussions with multiple people. It's not a no, but it's also not a yes just yet.
Never say never.
Even if Aiyuk gets his release from the 49ers before the end of this season — no guarantee — he’s more likely to land with a team next season. A lot can change over time. For one, Terry McLaurin will be 32 next season, has a huge salary number, and is coming off a significant knee injury. Stefon Diggs will be 33 next season and is a free agent at season’s end. Wherever Aiyuk lands, he won’t command a huge salary. He has a lot to prove.
While it still seems unlikely, it’s the NFL, and you can’t rule anything out.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: NFL insider says don't rule out Brandon Aiyuk to Commanders
