The San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are headed towards a divorce. While there was initial hope that the two sides could be together for a long time after his big extension, things didn't work out.
He got hurt in 2024 and hasn't returned this season. The 49ers waived his 2026 guarantees, and with Aiyuk not challenging such a decision, he's likely heading towards a departure this offseason.
Where Aiyuk ends up will be a compelling storyline this offseason, and ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler highlighted one team that "makes a ton of sense," as it could reunite him with his college quarterback on an NFC East team.
Brandon Aiyuk linked to NFC East team after expected 49ers release
"On offense, Washington has been pegged by a lot of people as a potential destination for Brandon Aiyuk," Graziano writes, "as it's believed he'd like to team up with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels."
Aiyuk could reunite with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels a half-decade after their time at Arizona State together.
In 2019, Aiyuk was a Senior and recorded 1,192 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 65 receptions for the Sun Devils. His quarterback for that 2019 season was Daniels, who finished the year with 2,943 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns.
More: 49ers reportedly wanted George Pickens in 2024 Brandon Aiyuk trade
Washington was previously linked to Aiyuk before, and now that he's likely to become a free agent thanks to his 2026 guarantees being waived, Aiyuk and Daniels would be a great match this offseason.
In response to Aiyuk potentially joining the Commanders, Fowler wrote: "The Aiyuk-Washington connection makes a ton of sense."
This is a fit that makes sense for everyone involved. The 49ers cut ties with Aiyuk, while the Commanders land a much-needed wide receiver to add depth to the room, and Aiyuk gets to reunite with his college quarterback from 2019.
It's really as simple as Fowler puts it. This fit "makes a ton of sense." The only question left is whether all parties involved make it happen after the 2025 season.
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