There’s another plot twist in Brandon Aiyuk’s offseason story courtesy of the Washington Commanders. Rumors are swirling that the All-Pro wide receiver might join the NFC East squad after Washington traded Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Aiyuk is close to Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback who will start in the Commanders' 2024 season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They played together at Arizona State before Daniels transferred to LSU. Social media posts earlier in the offseason show them together.
However, Aiyuk to the Commanders is pure speculation that hasn't been verified. If he ends up there, the Commanders must be willing to give the contract he seeks based on the prevailing wideout market.
REPORT: #49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk being traded to the Washington #Commanders is now back in play, NBC reports.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 23, 2024
Aiyuk is extremely close with QB Jayden Daniels, they played together at ASU, and spent a lot of time together this off-season. pic.twitter.com/sLK8UL4sWM
Anything is possible with Aiyuk. While some reports claim that the San Francisco 49ers offered a contract close to his liking, there are rumors about Aiyuk switching to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Niners and the Steelers had discussed a trade package but have yet to finalize the deal.
Aside from the Steelers, Aiyuk was linked to the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns. The Patriots reportedly offered him the contract he aspired to, but Aiyuk allegedly chose not to play there.
Brandon Aiyuk has 293 receptions for 4,324 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in 71 career games (including playoffs) with the Niners. He's coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including his career-high 1,342 yards last season.
-Lance Fernandez