Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors: WR posts video of himself watching Commanders practice footage
Brandon Aiyuk remains with the 49ers, but the veteran wide receiver recently confessed to considering teaming up with the Washington Commanders and their rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. He has also mentioned the Pittsburgh Steelers as another potential destination.
This weekend, Aiyuk fueled the Commanders speculation by sharing a clip of a Washington practice on TikTok.
**Niners or Commanders? Aiyuk Speculates About His Future**
On a recent episode of “The Pivot” podcast, Brandon Aiyuk hinted at his potential future teams. “If not a Niners uniform, probably a Washington Commanders uniform,” he stated. “If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably a Steelers uniform.”
During the interview, Aiyuk discussed the possibility of joining Daniels in Washington if he and the 49ers part ways. Set to play under his fifth-year option this season, Aiyuk has expressed a desire for a contract extension. However, his asking price is reportedly the main obstacle to reaching an agreement with the 49ers, who have consistently expressed their intention to keep him.
“Shit, there’s a quarterback right there,” Aiyuk said, referring to Daniels. “I’m thinking about what I can do with him. If the Niners don’t want me back, I’m considering my options. I know what I can do.”
This isn’t the first time Aiyuk has been linked to Daniels and the Commanders. Last month, he told Daniels that the 49ers “don’t want me back.” Aiyuk has also recently commented on the 49ers not wanting him. Responding to a report about discussions between the 49ers and Commanders regarding a potential trade involving Aiyuk before April’s NFL Draft, he posted on Instagram, “But I thought the Niners were never tryna trade me?”
Aiyuk has also been connected to the Steelers, who reportedly engaged in trade talks with the 49ers during the draft about acquiring either Aiyuk or fellow wideout Deebo Samuel. Despite having George Pickens, the Steelers need another top-tier receiver after trading former Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson to Carolina earlier this offseason.
A recent meeting between Aiyuk and the 49ers reportedly went well, leading the team to decide not to trade their leading receiver of the past two seasons. However, no extension has been agreed upon yet.
The two sides were reportedly close to a deal earlier this offseason, but the receiver market surged after Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Nico Collins signed lucrative new extensions. Given these developments, Aiyuk likely seeks a similar extension, possibly around $30 million annually. He is currently set to earn $14.124 million this season under his fifth-year option, with a projected market value of $26.5 million annually according to Spotrac.
Currently, Aiyuk and the 49ers are at an impasse. Either they will find middle ground, one side will concede, or a separation will occur, potentially through a holdout or trade.
Based on his recent comments, it’s clear that Aiyuk desires to either re-sign with the 49ers, play alongside Daniels in Washington, or join the Steelers in Pittsburgh. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds.
