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Everyone assumes the Washington Commanders will sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk once the San Francisco 49ers inevitably release him. That's been the expectation since 49ers GM John Lynch said in January that Aiyuk had likely played his last down in San Francisco.
Aiyuk flirted with the idea of playing in Washington in 2024 before he and the 49ers agreed to a massive extension. His best friend, Jayden Daniels, is the Commanders' star quarterback. Washington's GM, Adam Peters, was a part of San Francisco's front office when the 49ers spent a first-round pick on Aiyuk in 2020.
Most recently, Aiyuk has used Instagram to taunt the 49ers, even calling them stupid. He's worn a Commanders hat, taken a photo with a Commanders football, and even said, "Go, Commanders." Aiyuk's behavior is unprecedented. A player, under contract with one team, openly flaunting playing for another team.
On Wednesday, Aiyuk was at it again, telling the Niners that if they cut him today, he'd sign with the Commanders tomorrow.
Really? Has Peters actually told Aiyuk he'd sign him once the Niners release him? That could be true, but it doesn't seem likely. We know Washington is interested.
What if Aiyuk's recent behavior has given Peters and the Commanders cause for concern? If not, it should. Aiyuk has never been in trouble. No off-field issues. Sure, he's currently facing a misdemeanor in California for speeding, but once he shows up there, both sides will settle. The speeding incident, where he filmed himself going over 100 miles per hour in front of Levi's Stadium, was another in a string of questionable decisions by Aiyuk.
The first questionable decision came when Aiyuk didn't show up for rehab and stopped communicating with the 49ers, allowing them to void his guarantees. That, too, was unprecedented.
Perhaps Aiyuk is just making these videos in hopes of taunting San Francisco to release him. It may work. Here's the thing for Washington: Dan Quinn and the Commanders can't afford to begin the 2026 season with a distraction. The Terry McLaurin contract was last year's drama, and they never really recovered from it. McLaurin himself was not the drama, but the contract talks became ugly. After going 5-12 last season and reshaping his coaching staff, Quinn needs as few distractions as possible.
There's a good chance that if Washington signs Aiyuk, he's a good soldier. He will be happy, playing where he wants to play and reuniting with Daniels. It's not like the Commanders will need to give him a huge contract. But the Commanders are fresh off a promising offseason, with several new acquisitions and no drama. The vibes are currently high.
What if Washington still wants to add an impact receiver, but avoids any potential drama with Aiyuk? There is one intriguing option: Stefon Diggs. While Aiyuk was back on Instagram on Wednesday, here's Diggs at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, working out, hoping to land with a new team ahead of training camp.
This is ironic. Diggs is actually the drama-free option here. He's certainly had some issues in the past, but he's free and clear to sign anywhere, with his legal troubles behind him. Diggs is also coming off a successful season, leading the AFC champion Patriots with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards. Diggs is four years older, but Aiyuk hasn't played since October 2024. Diggs proved last season that he remains a highly productive player.
The good news for Washington is that neither would require more than a one-year deal in 2026 to get the job done.
It's clear that the Commanders need to add more help at receiver. While the position is much deeper than it was last season, they still need a productive veteran opposite McLaurin. Diggs would fill that need. If Aiyuk is healthy and happy, he would more than fill that need.
Adam Peters has a big decision to make, and it will be fascinating to see what he chooses.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Is Stefon Diggs safer than Brandon Aiyuk?
Continue reading...
Aiyuk flirted with the idea of playing in Washington in 2024 before he and the 49ers agreed to a massive extension. His best friend, Jayden Daniels, is the Commanders' star quarterback. Washington's GM, Adam Peters, was a part of San Francisco's front office when the 49ers spent a first-round pick on Aiyuk in 2020.
Most recently, Aiyuk has used Instagram to taunt the 49ers, even calling them stupid. He's worn a Commanders hat, taken a photo with a Commanders football, and even said, "Go, Commanders." Aiyuk's behavior is unprecedented. A player, under contract with one team, openly flaunting playing for another team.
On Wednesday, Aiyuk was at it again, telling the Niners that if they cut him today, he'd sign with the Commanders tomorrow.
Really? Has Peters actually told Aiyuk he'd sign him once the Niners release him? That could be true, but it doesn't seem likely. We know Washington is interested.
What if Aiyuk's recent behavior has given Peters and the Commanders cause for concern? If not, it should. Aiyuk has never been in trouble. No off-field issues. Sure, he's currently facing a misdemeanor in California for speeding, but once he shows up there, both sides will settle. The speeding incident, where he filmed himself going over 100 miles per hour in front of Levi's Stadium, was another in a string of questionable decisions by Aiyuk.
The first questionable decision came when Aiyuk didn't show up for rehab and stopped communicating with the 49ers, allowing them to void his guarantees. That, too, was unprecedented.
Perhaps Aiyuk is just making these videos in hopes of taunting San Francisco to release him. It may work. Here's the thing for Washington: Dan Quinn and the Commanders can't afford to begin the 2026 season with a distraction. The Terry McLaurin contract was last year's drama, and they never really recovered from it. McLaurin himself was not the drama, but the contract talks became ugly. After going 5-12 last season and reshaping his coaching staff, Quinn needs as few distractions as possible.
There's a good chance that if Washington signs Aiyuk, he's a good soldier. He will be happy, playing where he wants to play and reuniting with Daniels. It's not like the Commanders will need to give him a huge contract. But the Commanders are fresh off a promising offseason, with several new acquisitions and no drama. The vibes are currently high.
What if Washington still wants to add an impact receiver, but avoids any potential drama with Aiyuk? There is one intriguing option: Stefon Diggs. While Aiyuk was back on Instagram on Wednesday, here's Diggs at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, working out, hoping to land with a new team ahead of training camp.
This is ironic. Diggs is actually the drama-free option here. He's certainly had some issues in the past, but he's free and clear to sign anywhere, with his legal troubles behind him. Diggs is also coming off a successful season, leading the AFC champion Patriots with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards. Diggs is four years older, but Aiyuk hasn't played since October 2024. Diggs proved last season that he remains a highly productive player.
The good news for Washington is that neither would require more than a one-year deal in 2026 to get the job done.
It's clear that the Commanders need to add more help at receiver. While the position is much deeper than it was last season, they still need a productive veteran opposite McLaurin. Diggs would fill that need. If Aiyuk is healthy and happy, he would more than fill that need.
Adam Peters has a big decision to make, and it will be fascinating to see what he chooses.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Is Stefon Diggs safer than Brandon Aiyuk?
Continue reading...
