The Washington Commanders are viewed as the leading destination for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, according to league sources. A long-standing belief around the NFL suggests Aiyuk desires a reunion with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, with whom he played at Arizona State before Daniels transferred to LSU.
The potential move gained momentum after the 49ers voided the remaining guarantees in Aiyuk\'s contract. The decision signals both sides have interest in moving on from the relationship that once made Aiyuk a centerpiece of San Francisco\'s offense.
Washington would inherit a significant contract if a trade materializes. Aiyuk is owed $27 million in 2026, $28.124 million in 2027, and $30 million in 2028. With no guaranteed money remaining after San Francisco\'s recent move, the Commanders would gain flexibility in structuring any potential deal.
Any transaction would cost the 49ers approximately $29.6 million in dead cap charges. San Francisco could mitigate the hit by designating Aiyuk as a post-June 1 release or waiting until after June 1 to complete a trade, spreading the charges across 2026 and 2027.
Aiyuk has not played during the 2025 season after tearing his ACL seven games into 2024. He posted 1,342 receiving yards in 2023, establishing himself as one of the league\'s premier receivers before the injury.
Washington acquired another former 49ers offensive weapon last offseason, trading for running back Deebo Samuel. The move demonstrated the Commanders\' willingness to invest in talent around their franchise quarterback and established a pipeline between the two franchises.