Matt Barrows and Nicku Jhabvala of The Athletic report that Washington is viewed around the league as being steadfast in its unwillingness to work out a trade for the disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wideout, and that the team's plan remains a free agent signing when and if Aiyuk eventually hits the open market.
The Commanders are also eyeing a short-term deal laden with incentives rather than any commitment that resembles the four-year, $120 million contract Aiyuk signed in 2024, per the same report.
The logic behind Washington's posture is entirely rational.
Aiyuk has not played a down of football since October 20, 2024, when he tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee.
Joe Shasky on Brandon Aiyuk:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) May 1, 2026
“The rumor is, the agent dropped him. The agent just dropped Brandon Aiyuk. You tell me why that is? I don’t know. If you still think you can make a lot of money off somebody, no matter how outside the box they may be mentally, you’re gonna stick… pic.twitter.com/umpDfOuYl3
His guaranteed salary has been voided by the 49ers after he refused to rehab at their facility. He has three years remaining on that contract with no guaranteed money left.
San Francisco wants draft compensation for a player they invested $30 million per year in, but the team on the other side of that negotiation knows a release is the eventual outcome regardless of what happens in a trade discussion.
"We're available. Give us a call," 49ers GM John Lynch said publicly after the draft.
Nobody called with an offer San Francisco found acceptable, which is also pretty telling.
Why the Fit Still Makes Sense If the Price Is Right
The Commanders' interest in Aiyuk is still legit even if their willingness to pay for him via trade is not.
Aiyuk and quarterback Jayden Daniels were college teammates at Arizona State, giving them a foundation of familiarity that most quarterback-receiver pairings take years to develop.
Commanders GM Adam Peters was also in the 49ers' front office when Aiyuk was drafted, adding another layer of organizational familiarity to the potential pairing.
Washington still has Terry McLaurin as a reliable top option but has lost Deebo Samuel, who remains unsigned, from last year's receiver room.
A short-term incentive-laden deal for Aiyuk at a fraction of his previous salary would give the Commanders a legitimate second weapon for Daniels without the financial commitment that made teams reluctant to engage in a trade discussion.
🚨 DRAMA : The 49ers have been unable to get ahold of WR Brandon Aiyuk who is ghosting them.
— Football Crave (@FootballCravee) April 28, 2026
On Instagram he left this cryptic message.. pic.twitter.com/e1qqBBL7p4
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported during draft weekend that a release is still expected to eventually take place, which is exactly why Washington has been in no hurry to accelerate a process they believe will resolve itself in their favor.
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
