San Francisco 49ers

Brandon Aiyuk has taken his public push toward Washington one step further. In a video posted to Instagram, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver said he would sign with the Commanders “tomorrow” if the team released him. The comments came after Aiyuk posted multiple Commanders-themed videos this week, including one in which he held an NFL football with a Commanders logo. Another story post featured the message that the Commanders were “the best team in the world,” along with a self-made claim that he is “the best WR in the world.” Why the move matters It is still unclear whether Washington would even have interest in adding Aiyuk. Because he remains under contract with San Francisco, the Commanders cannot publicly discuss him without running into NFL tampering rules. Still, the idea of a reunion has been part of Aiyuk’s social media messaging for months. He and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels are close friends and former teammates at Arizona State, and Aiyuk has previously posted photos of himself wearing a Commanders hat. Where Aiyuk and the 49ers stand 49ers general manager John Lynch said in January that it was “safe to say that has played his last snap with the Niners.” San Francisco has nevertheless held onto him while hoping to find a trade partner. The standoff has stretched on for nearly a year, and Aiyuk has used social media to voice his frustration with the team. In early June, he called the 49ers “dumb” and “stupid” for paying him and suggested the club was afraid to release him because of how he might play elsewhere. The receiver signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, but the relationship has deteriorated since then. San Francisco voided the remaining guaranteed money in his deal last July after Aiyuk did not take part in rehab sessions for the torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee, and the team later placed him on the reserve/left team list in December after he stopped showing up at the facility. Aiyuk was one of the NFL’s most productive wideouts before the injury. In 2023, he had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns while earning second-team All-Pro honors. Veterans on the 49ers are scheduled to report to training camp on July 25, and it is possible the team is waiting until then to decide what comes next for Aiyuk. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner contributed to this report. Read more at: www.espn.com

Aiyuk Says He’d Join the Commanders “Tomorrow” If the 49ers Cut Him