The Washington Commanders need to make more upgrades to the roster than the first two days of the upcoming NFL draft will allow, and the franchise got some reasonable news in that regard Monday.
Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported comments made by San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch on the topic of recent All-Pro pass-catcher Brandon Aiyuk and his team’s attempts to trade the wide receiver ahead of the draft.
“We’ll see it through the draft—if something happens, great; if not, we’ll re-evaluate after.”
Lynch confirmed again that Aiyuk
“#49ers GM John Lynch said he’s had trade discussions with teams on WR Brandon Aiyuk but acknowledged it’s not a high probability they find a taker. ‘We’ll see it through the draft — if something happens, great. If not, we’ll re-evaluate after,'” Meirov wrote, quoting Lynch. “Lynch confirmed again that Aiyuk has more than likely played his final snap with the organization.”
Brandon Aiyuk Likely to Become Free Agent if 49ers Can’t Find Trade
GettySan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
That equates to good news for the Commanders because if the Niners end up releasing Aiyuk, Washington can offer him a soft landing spot on a value deal.
Spotrac projects Aiyuk’s market value at just over $12 million on a one-year contract after the wideout missed the last season and a half due to a serious knee injury and subsequent fallout with the 49ers over the rehabilitation process.
That drama led the team to cancel Aiyuk’s guaranteed money in 2026. Now the Niners are looking for a trade partner so they can get something back in exchange for the wide receiver as he heads into his age-28 campaign.
A second-team All-Pro in 2023, Aiyuk has amassed 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 TDs across 69 career games (67 starts).
Commanders Want Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles in NFL Draft
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
Assuming the 49ers don’t find a trade for Aiyuk before, during or relatively soon after the draft, and Washington can secure him in free agency, that would address the team’s biggest skill-position need.
Aiyuk would not necessarily be a longterm solution in Washington, as poor play would probably lead to a split following the 2026 season, while high-level performance might result in free agency that carries him elsewhere.
But there is a chance Aiyuk could end up in the NFC East Division longterm. And even if he doesn’t, he can help Washington buy time to rebuild what was the oldest roster in the league entering the 2025 campaign.
The Commanders hold just the No. 7 and 71 picks in Rounds 1 and 3, respectively, on the first two days of the draft. And as far as who Washington prefers to draft first, Todd McShay of The Ringer reported Monday there is little doubt.
“If Sonny Styles is sitting there for the Washington Commanders, I’m told on pretty damn good authority — Dan Quinn, that’s his guy,” McShay said. “I actually believe that’s if [Notre Dame running back] Jeremiah Love were on the board, too. That’s what I’m hearing.”
Should some team select the Ohio State linebacker by the time Washington picks at No. 7, the Commanders could land on a rookie wideout to pair with Terry McLaurin. But the team also has considerable need in the secondary, namely at cornerback, and LSU DB Mansoor Delane may be available.
Love is also a viable option if he is on the board and Styles is not.
Commanders Get Good News on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Amid Trade Rumors