The holdout of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk with the San Francisco 49ers has come to an impasse. Wheels began to move in motion of Aiyuk getting traded Monday afternoon. The 49ers permitted four teams to talk to negotiate a potential new contract for the standout wide receiver.
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns were allowed to talk to Aiyuk and his representation.
However, the Commanders “removed themselves from trade talks” for Aiyuk. The Steelers are also no longer an option. Meanwhile, the 49ers have built a framework for potential trades with the Browns and Patriots. Now, the decision appears to be up to Aiyuk’s choice of contract.
The decision to bow out of trade talks puts to bed speculation of Aiyuk joining his former Arizona State Sun Devils teammate, quarterback Jayden Daniels, in Washington.
The two were teammates for one season in 2019. Aiyuk declared for the NFL Draft the following season. Daniels eventually transferred to LSU, became a Heisman Trophy winner, and ultimately the second overall pick in this year’s draft.
The pair remained friends. Their connection drew a score of rumors surrounding Aiyuk, who teased a potential reunion with Daniels in the NFL. Daniels and Aiyuk worked out together, and Aiyuk didn’t hide his desire to play with the Commanders.
At one point, he posted a photo of the Commanders’ practice. Of course, Daniels was the source. Whether the QB sent his buddy an image or Aiyuk snapped a screenshot of Daniels watching Washington’s practice, it drew the ire of many fans.
Commanders GM Adam Peters, who also was the 49ers assistant general manager and played a role in drafting Aiyuk, addressed the saga by saying the team handled the situation internally.
Nonetheless, the mutual interest between Aiyuk and Daniels remained. Aiyuk reportedly has demanded around $28 million per year. He has one year remaining on his rookie contract at $14.1 million. With contracts stalled, Aiyuk requested a trade from the 49ers last month.
Yet, that all seems like a pipedream now. For whatever reason, the Commanders bowed out of the trade sweepstakes Monday night. Unless there is a last-minute pitch within the organization, the Commanders will pass on the ASU reunion.
Missing out on a talented wideout such as Aiyuk is disappointing. Last season, Aiyuk had 75 receptions for 1,342 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His addition would have given the Commanders a dynamic wide receiver duo with Terry McLaurin.
Instead, the Commanders will remain pat with wideouts Jahan Dotson, Dyami Brown, and rookie Luke McCaffrey supporting McLaurin. The Commanders are building for the long term, and Peters appears reluctant to yield draft capital. Plus, McLaurin carries a $24.1 million cap hit for this season. Washington also has to prepare for a potential extension. McLaurin’s current deal expires after the 2025 season.
Landing Brandon Aiyuk would have greatly benefited the Commanders. Yet, the price to complete a trade and pay Aiyuk appears too steep for Washington’s preference.
