The rumour mill is churning with speculation about a possible trade between the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Commanders involving disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

This article explores the key risks and connections of such a potential trade, while considering whether NFL organizations might hesitate to pursue Aiyuk given his controversial exit from San Francisco.

Aiyuk was a standout contributor for the 49ers during his tenure, providing the team with a dynamic playmaker and a viable downfield threat. Tension quickly mounted between the receiver and the organization, eventually coming to a head this past year, leading to burned bridges and a desire for a fresh start. But a fresh start could be a bit complicated. Aiyuk’s dissatisfaction stems partly from prior contract disputes and a perceived lack of appreciation, seemingly always playing second fiddle to Deebo Samuel.

Eventually, the former first-round draft selection blatantly quit on his team. Aiyuk, while rehabbing his ACL and MCL injuries, elected to stop communication with the 49ers organization. The resulting drama has made his departure inevitable, whether it’s a trade or straight-up release.

Prior to the injury, Aiyuk had been coming off his best full season as a professional in 2023, where he corralled 75 balls totaling 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. The 17.9 yards per reception helped unlock Kyle Shanahan’s mid-level passing game, which allowed not only George Kittle and Deebo Samuel to torment defenses, but it also played right into what the 49ers want to do with Christian McCaffrey by getting him the ball in space against a linebacker.

Shanahan certainly envisions Ricky Pearsall growing into the role vacated by Aiyuk, but he needs to find a way to remain healthy if he hopes to reach his full potential. In 2024, the year of the injury, Aiyuk made 25 catches on 47 targets, totalling 374 yards in seven games. The 49ers will be in the market to add another impactful receiver this offseason to help fill the void and once again bolster the position.

Connections: Jayden Daniels, Adam Peters, and Previous Trades

Despite the injury and character concerns, there are notable ties between the Commanders and Aiyuk that could help facilitate a trade. Aiyuk shares a college connection with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, having played together at Arizona State.

This familiarity could ease Aiyuk’s transition and immediately enhance the on-field chemistry. Additionally, Adam Peters, Washington’s general manager, was previously part of the 49ers’ front office, giving him unique insight into Aiyuk’s abilities and personality. Past transactions, such as the Samuel deal between these clubs a year ago, suggest a good working relationship that might help smooth the negotiation process.

If Aiyuk reunites with Daniels, their shared history could accelerate offensive cohesion and boost the Commanders’ passing game. The salary cap and injury concerns are real; the Commanders might gamble on Aiyuk’s upside, believing that a change of scenery and renewed motivation will unlock his full potential.

Aiyuk’s contract carries a cap hit of $15,390,281 in 2026 and a dead cap number of $29,585,843. The 49ers were able to void roughly $27 million in 2026 guarantees, according to ESPN, following his absence from the team.

Will NFL Teams Pursue Aiyuk?

Despite the risks—injury, salary, and reputation—the potential rewards of acquiring Brandon Aiyuk are compelling for teams, but the character concerns paired with not knowing how he’s looked following the knee injury, not to mention the robust receiving options across the league, could make things challenging for Aiyuk moving forward.

Front offices across the league will weigh the pros and cons carefully. The Commanders’ unique ties to Aiyuk through Daniels and Peters make them a logical destination. Ultimately, Aiyuk’s fate will depend on how much teams value his talent versus the hazards surrounding his departure from San Francisco. Personally, I believe a release is more likely than a trade, nonetheless his time in San Francisco is over, and perhaps the same goes for his time in the NFL.