Brandon Aiyuk more than wore out his welcome with the San Francisco 49ers.
But that doesn't mean he won't be desired elsewhere in the NFL, at least if his contract is renegotiated or he gets released. The Washington Commanders might be a logical team to raise their hand.
The Commanders will likely lose Deebo Samuel in free agency this offseason, creating an opening alongside Terry McLaurin in the wide receiver room.
Washington had such a promising 2024 season, but the 2025 campaign was a nightmare, including injury problems for young QB Jayden Daniels.
MORE: Bills have no choice but to trade Keon Coleman now
Aiyuk has risk, but he also has upside for a team that wants to bounce back in a big way for 2026.
There's also familiarity with Aiyuk, which could help make something work here, writes ESPN's Bill Barnwell.
"One obvious landing spot is Washington, where the Commanders employ former 49ers executive Adam Peters and have an opening in their lineup at wide receiver with Deebo Samuel hitting free agency," Barnwell writes. "Aiyuk was Jayden Daniels' teammate at Arizona State, too. But even for a team with a quarterback on a rookie deal, $27 million would be a big ask for a player who hasn't played since the middle of 2024."
MORE: Could the Raiders trade the No. 1 pick and Fernando Mendoza?
That $27 million referenced is what Aiyuk would be due without any changes to his contract situation, essentially if the Commanders just traded for him with nothing else happening first.
"Does Aiyuk have any trade value?" Barnwell writes. "The 49ers were in position to land a second-round pick for him in 2024 and wanted to get something in return for him last offseason, but it would be surprising if they were able to get anything more than a conditional pick for Aiyuk now. Even if Aiyuk's 2026 compensation isn't guaranteed, I'm not sure there will be many teams lining up to pay him the $27 million that's currently due on his existing contract."
Even if the Commanders don't end up with Aiyuk, it's interesting analysis from Barnwell that suggests this offseason could have a WR somewhere in Washington's sights.
More NFL news:
- Browns can draft the brother of a Cavs' NBA star
- The 2027 Super Bowl is on Valentine's Day
- A.J. Brown trade decision could prove crucial for Eagles
- $36 million reason for the Dolphins to part with Tyreek Hill
- John Harbaugh should already have a $100 million regret
- Would the Texans consider trading C.J. Stroud?