Brandon Aiyuk’s Pursuit of a Washington Commanders Spot Amid Injury, Contract Dispute, and Public Outbursts

Brandon Aiyuk, 28, is on San Francisco 49ers’ reserve/left squad list after a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 of 2024; he has not filed reinstatement paperwork and has not played in 20 months.

49ers insider warns Brandon Aiyuk about supposed Commanders interest amid uncertainty

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension in summer 2024; the 49ers voided guarantees after missed rehab sessions. He posted Instagram and YouTube videos insulting the 49ers, GM John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan, agent Ryan Williams, and the NFLPA, stating his wish to join Washington.

Bleacher Report

Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reported Washington was prepared to offer a one-year, incentivized contract if the 49ers released Aiyuk, citing his ties to quarterback Jayden Daniels and GM Adam Peters; the team ruled out a trade.

Commanders were willing to sign 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk before recent concerns

Aiyuk has 294 receptions, 4,305 yards and 27 touchdowns; he logged 25 catches for 347 yards with no touchdowns before his injury. The 49ers would face $7.3 million cap penalties in 2026 and $19.2 million dead-cap in 2027 if they release him now.

Washington Commanders May No Longer Have Any Interest in Brandon Aiyuk

Jhabvala said the Commanders’ interest depends on a release and confidence in Aiyuk’s health and mindset; Maiocco noted coach Dan Quinn’s familiarity with Aiyuk, suggesting Washington may be reluctant to “go all in.”

Heavy

Former NFL receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh warned that signing Aiyuk would be a mistake, urging the Commanders to fire GM Peters if they proceed and questioning whether Aiyuk would ever return to an NFL stadium without changing his behavior.

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Some reports expect a release after Aiyuk files reinstatement paperwork, while others say no imminent cut; the precise amount of voided guarantees varies, and Washington’s internal evaluation remains undisclosed.

49ers insider reopens major Brandon Aiyuk concern Commanders may inherit

• “Adam Peters, you sign Brandon Aiyuk, the Commanders should fire you the day you sign him,” — T.J. Houshmandzadeh, former NFL wideout

USA Today

• “I know that earlier in the offseason, the Commanders were interested in him to the extent that they would consider a one-year, highly incentivized deal if and when the San Francisco 49ers ever release him,” — Nicki Jhabvala, The Athletic

Heavy

• “If the 49ers do release Aiyuk before the start of training camp, the Commanders could still consider him.” — Nicki Jhabvala, The Athletic

Washington Commanders May No Longer Have Any Interest in Brandon Aiyuk

• “[Head coach] Dan Quinn doesn't know him nearly as well [as Peters],” — Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area

49ers insider: Brandon Aiyuk may have played his final NFL game

• “He might not step foot in an NFL stadium again if he don't shut the [expletive] up.” — T.J. Houshmandzadeh, former NFL wideout

USA Today

Aiyuk may petition the league for reinstatement; if released before training camp, Washington could negotiate a one-year, incentive-laden deal, but must weigh his physical recovery and off-field concerns before committing.

Commanders were reportedly ready to do this for 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk before concerns