Brandon Aiyuk to Commanders a deal that 'needs to get done' post draft
With the NFL draft in the rearview mirror, what happens with the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk? It will be a top story over the next several months.
The 2026 NFL Draft has come to a close, but the work isn't done. All 32 NFL general managers now turn their attention to trade opportunities and franchise tag deadlines. The Washington Commanders are in the same boat as the rest, with Adam Peters now focusing on filling the remaining holes in the roster.
One of the most glaring discussions in Washington is around San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk is a close friend of Jayden Daniels and is familiar with Adam Peters from their time together in San Francisco, but no trade has happened yet. That is largely because no team will want to absorb Aiyuk's contract without seeing him on the field, but that hasn't happened, making their trade desire all but impossible.
There are already reports that the Niners will end up releasing Aiyuk, at which time the Commanders will swoop in and bring him to the East Coast. Now, one CBS Sports analyst says this is one of 10 deals that need to get done during the offseason. Aiyuk has played his final down in San Francisco, and the 49ers will officially part ways with him this offseason.
The questions continue to be how the breakup will materialize and where Aiyuk ends up next. A few nuggets were unearthed during the final day of the draft. General manager John Lynch said that the team isn't planning to release him.