Brandon Aiyuk news framed as foregone conclusion for Commanders

The Washington Commanders are being linked over and over again with Brandon Aiyuk.

And the way everyone is writing about it, it makes it seem like the Commanders signing Aiyuk in free agency (once officially released by the 49ers) is a foregone conclusion.

This is what ESPN's John Keim posted on X on Wednesday night:

"Even if/when Washington lands Brandon Aiyuk on a 1-year prove it, I would expect them to pursue another WR. They need another wideout who can build a relationship with Jayden Daniels -- especially with Terry McLaurin's cap hit around $34 million in '27 (tough to keep at that #)."

The "if/when" hedges a bit, but you wouldn't write it like that if the assumption wasn't that Aiyuk is coming.

ESPN's Nick Waggoner has already reported that the Commanders seem to be the logical destination. 

"With the new league year set to begin today, the #49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk," Waggoner wrote on X on Wednesday. "Could happen as soon as today, but certainly soon. Washington is the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, probably on a one-year prove it deal. SF is expected to use post June 1 designation, which is why they had to wait until new league year begins."

MORE: Why the Raiders are no longer trading Maxx Crosby to the Ravens

Aiyuk, of course, is coming off a bizarre 2025 season in which he was set to miss time with injury and ended up not playing a single snap due to disputes around his health and contract.

The 49ers may have moved on from him anyway, but all the drama made it a no-brainer.

That does make him a riskier acquisition by another team, which is why Waggoner's suggested "one-year prove-it deal" for Aiyuk makes the most sense for the Commanders.

Aiyuk will turn 28 on March 17. He's a former first-round pick. 

He had 1,000-yard seasons in both 2022 and 2023 before his injury midway through the 2024 season sent him down this path.

Aiyuk may not be the long-term answer, which Keim suggests, but he could have some serious upside if he puts his head down, stays healthy and makes plays.

More NFL news:

• Cowboys shunned by Eagles' free agent for AFC West
• Panthers shell out $165 million for 2 free agent stars
• Travis Kelce reveals why he didn't retire and signed back with Chiefs
• Ravens' former 1st-round pick retires after 8 NFL seasons
• This list of Jets QBs since Geno Smith is wildly depressing
• It'd be hard for the Falcons' QB moves to be funnier