Is Washington Just as Ready as San Francisco to Move on from Brandon Aiyuk?

Is Washington Just as Ready as San Francisco to Move on from Brandon Aiyuk?

The San Francisco 49ers are continuing their standoff with Brandon Aiyuk, choosing to keep the wideout on the reserve/left squad list rather than releasing him into free agency. While the chapter on Aiyuk’s playing career in Santa Clara is definitely closed, the Niners remain determined to secure a trade rather than letting a once productive veteran walk for nothing.

The Washington Commanders have long been the rumored landing spot, fueled by Aiyuk’s close ties to quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, the saga has reached a complete standstill as the team approaches mandatory minicamps.

The Standoff: A "Game of Chicken" in Limbo

In a fresh update shared on May 10, 2026, Maiocco clarified that the situation hasn't moved an inch since Aiyuk was sidelined last December. Despite the external noise, the 49ers still hold the rights to the receiver and have shown no urgency to blink.

"Nothing has changed in the Brandon Aiyuk saga since Dec. 13," Maiocco said. "There is no chance he plays another game for the San Francisco 49ers, and the team is simply waiting to see whether any organization is willing to step up with a trade offer."

The central issue remains the lack of offers on the table. While Washington remains interested, general manager Adam Peters has reportedly been "steadfast" in his unwillingness to part with draft capital for a player the league expects will eventually be cut.

For the Niners, a post-June 1 trade becomes financially appealing, as it would save the team approximately $1.3 million in cap space compared to a massive dead money hit if moved earlier.

Are the Commanders Pivoting?

With the Aiyuk negotiations stuck in neutral, Washington may be forced to look elsewhere to bolster Daniels' arsenal. One name gaining traction in the DMV is Stefon Diggs. The veteran receiver spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, where he remained a high level producer with an 82.6 PFF grade. Now a free agent at 32, Diggs represents a high ceiling but short term solution that wouldn't require Washington to surrender any draft picks.

"I think he’s as good a competitor as the game has," said Kevin Sheehan of The Team 980. "Short dose, one season, a big season... the Commanders are not making a commitment beyond 2026. Call me interested in Stefon Diggs."