Getty
Adam Peters is 17-17 as general manager of the Washington Commanders over his first two seasons.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been a popular topic among Washington Commanders fans over the last year. The San Francisco 49ers‘ receiving option has several connections to the Commanders’ organization. He was teammates with quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State University in 2019, and the duo has notably maintained their friendship since then.
Then there’s the Adam Peters connection. The Commanders’ general manager was an assistant GM with the 49ers from 2021 to 2023. He was part of the leadership team that drafted Aiyuk in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. With all of these Aiyuk connections to the team, Peters was asked about the possibility of him joining the Commanders next season at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Unfortunately, Peters declined to speculate about Aiyuk joining the team, stating, “Aiyuk is a player on another team under contract. So I can’t comment on that.”
However, in response to a question about Aiyuk getting another opportunity to play, Peters made his feelings clear.
“Second chances, yeah. I think everybody on Earth deserves a second chance.”
These comments are in response to how Aiyuk’s term with the 49ers has played out since Peters moved on to Washington. To say the least, there are a few reasons why Aiyuk will more than likely not be in San Francisco next season.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Relationship Soured with 49ers, Leading to Team Change Rumors
Following back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns with the 49ers, Aiyuk’s relationship with the 49ers began to sour following Peters’ exit.
Aiyuk’s initial frustrations began with contract negotiations stalling for much of the 2024 offseason. Then, after a holdout, he received a massive four-year $120 million extension with the team. Unfortunately, he then suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the 49ers’ Week 7 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in that same season. That game took place nearly 500 days ago, and Aiyuk hasn’t played since.
Despite Aiyuk being reportedly healthy, he didn’t play a single snap during the 2025 season. Aiyuk reportedly failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in team activities, which led to the 49ers voiding his guaranteed money for the 2026 season. Aiyuk hasn’t provided an exact reason for his frustrations with the team, but his feelings became clear in a controversial video he posted. In the video, Aiyuk shows himself driving over 90 miles per hour past Levi’s Stadium.
Aiyuk’s questionable behavior then took a different turn after he went live on Instagram and let an ice cream cone melt on his hand for nine minutes.
Concern continues to grow regarding disgruntled WR Brandon Aiyuk.
Late Friday evening, Aiyuk went on Instagram Live and let an ice cream cone melt all over him for the entirety of the 9-minute stream.
All that being said, Aiyuk has been on a rollercoaster, partially of his own making, over the last two years.
Adam Peters’ Comments Could Signal Fresh Start For Aiyuk
GettyBrandon Aiyuk recorded 75 catches for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns in his last full season as a starter in 2023.
While Aiyuk has made some questionable decisions, his upside as a player still will net him interest. He is only 27 years old and has posted 4,305 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns across 69 career games. Peters’ comments led many to believe that a fresh start could still be in store with Aiyuk. While teams may not be willing to pick up his hefty contract, the Commanders have the cap space to do so.
Washington currently has over $73 million available in cap space for 2026, and with an emphasis on getting younger, an Aiyuk trade makes sense. Not only would they get an explosive weapon number-two option, but one that already has chemistry with Daniels.
While there is an inherent risk with bringing Aiyuk in, his upside could provide the Commanders exactly what they need to get back in the playoff race for next season.
More Heavy on Commanders
Loading more stories