Commanders get major news on signing Brandon Aiyuk after 49ers release

The Washington Commanders took a crack at one former San Francisco 49ers receiver last offseason in Deebo Samuel.

They could do it again this offseason with Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk is expected to be released by the 49ers when the new league year begins, making him a free agent who could sign with any team.

ESPN's Nick Waggoner has 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."

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The Commanders have Samuel in free agency right now, which is part of the reason they'd consider a move for Aiyuk. 

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.

Washington would love to find a top target to pair with Terry McLaurin, and they may decide that Aiyuk's risk is worth the reward.

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