If you’re ever interested in understanding the nature of a disgruntled, diva NFL wide receiver, simply look to the career of San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk.
After Aiyuk publicly complained about his lack of a new contract extension following an NFL All-Pro season in 2023, the 49ers caved and gave him exactly what he wanted with a 4-year, $120 million contract extension that included $76 million in guaranteed money and tied him to the 49ers through 2028.
Aiyuk went out and played 7 games for the 49ers in 2024 before he tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 … and never played for the 49ers again.
In November, the 49ers made the unusual move to void the remaining $27 million in guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract after he’d collected $48 million in return for just 7 games, 35 receptions, 304 yards and no touchdowns.
“I think it’s safe to say he’s played his last snap with the 49ers,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said on January 16.
His next stop might lead to a highly-anticipated reunion — and breathe some life into the moribund passing game of the Washington Commanders following a 5-12 regular season.
Aiyuk Could Re-Team With College Quarterback
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton called Washington the “Top Landing Spot” for Aiyuk, where he could reunite with Jayden Daniels, his college quarterback from Arizona State.
“If the Washington Commanders want to see quarterback Jayden Daniels make strides after an injury-riddled regression year, they need to add more playmakers around him,” B/R’s Moe Moton wrote on Thursday. “The Commanders can bring in a prime receiver who has a rapport with their young, promising quarterback. In 2019, Daniels and Aiyuk played together at Arizona State; the latter broke out that year with 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns.”
Aiyuk got his money with the 49ers taken away because he was “not living up to the terms of his contract.”
“It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told ESPN’s Nick Wagoner on November 22. “I’ve never dealt with that in my career and been in any building that’s had that. It was unusual. But that’s stuff that I can’t get into right now.”
“I would love a 30-for-30 on what the hell happened with Brandon Aiyuk,” PFF’s Jeff Deeney wrote on X.
Daniels-Aiyuk Relationship Under Microscope
Why would the Commanders be such a good fit for Aiyuk? Mainly because Daniels is his best friend. Which doesn’t seem like a great reason.
“I’m going to state some facts,” D.C. Sports Radio host Grant Paulsen wrote on his official X account. “Aiyuk is best friends with Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. Adam Peters helped draft Aiyuk in SF. Deebo Samuel becomes a FA this offseason and WR will be a major need. WSH will be kicking the tires.”
If Aiyuk is released before June 1, it means the 49ers would take on a dead cap hit of $29.585 million and he’s due $27.274 million in 2027 and $29.15 million in 2028 — numbers that would have to be seriously re-tooled with any team he ends up on.
“Brandon Aiyuk on the Commanders makes an impact day 1,” Commanders fan ZoneRunner wrote on X. “He’s everything they need on offense & helps Terry McLaurin out alot.”
Commanders Called Top Landing Spot for Disgruntled $120 Million WR