Commanders handed $26 million offensive solution by ESPN

It is no secret that the Washington Commanders need more weapons around Jayden Daniels in 2026.

Zach Ertz is out for most of the year after his nasty injury, and it isn't known if Deebo Samuel will return.

That essentially leaves Terry McLaurin as the only legitimate weapon for Daniels, and in turn, that makes it easy for defenses to take him away.

Washington needs another star. But who?

ESPN's Bill Barnwell thinks Brandon Aiyuk is the solution to the Commanders' offensive needs.

"The 49ers haven't yet cut Aiyuk in the hopes of landing a trade for their former first-round pick, whose future lays away from San Francisco after a bizarre past 18 months," Barnwell wrote. "The 49ers voided Aiyuk's guarantees after he refused to rehab on the team's timeline, so while he is owed $26.2 million in 2026, none of that money is actually likely to go to the 27-year-old."

More: Are Bills best AFC team after free agency splurge?

Is Aiyuk worth it?

After tearing his ACL in 2024, Aiyuk didn't play a single snap in 2025, with the 49ers reportedly unhappy with how he attacked his rehab. That isn't ideal.

So, you have to wonder how much time it will take for Aiyuk to get into proper football shape, plus, he's still coming off that injury, so he will be a little rusty when the real stuff gets going.

Is he worth taking a chance on?

It would depend on the sort of money he is asking, but Aiyuk's stock, you could argue, has never been lower, so Washington could offer a modest, prove-it deal.

Aiyuk in Washington? Why not.

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