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Should Commanders sign the other 49ers WR to solve biggest need?
TL;DR
The Washington Commanders are expected to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after his time with the San Francisco 49ers ends. However, concerns about Aiyuk's injury and performance may lead them to consider other options like Jauan Jennings.
Key points
- Washington Commanders likely to sign Brandon Aiyuk
- Aiyuk has played his last down for the 49ers
- Concerns about Aiyuk's knee injury and performance
- Commanders need a No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin
- Jauan Jennings is another potential option
Mentioned in this story
Jayden Daniels
Washington CommandersSan Francisco 49ersBrandon AiyukTerry McLaurin
The Washington Commanders are widely expected to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk once he finally becomes clear of the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have already said Aiyuk has played his last down for the 49ers, but aren't willing to release him now so he can get his wish and reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels on the Commanders.
San Francisco isn't in a hurry because it doesn't need to be. The 49ers can wait until close to Week 1 to move on from Aiyuk. While they're holding out hope for a trade, even they know that's not happening. Not only is Aiyuk coming off a knee injury, but no one knows his current condition, and his current contract almost makes him untradeable.
Do the Commanders want to continue to allow this to play out? They probably have inside information on Aiyuk's current condition because of Daniels, but he'd still need to be evaluated by team doctors. There are also questions about how Aiyuk handled himself in San Francisco. While Daniels and GM Adam Peters know him well, Washington must be careful not to disrupt the "brotherhood" culture head coach Dan Quinn has built.
Washington still has one significant need remaining: a No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. It will be difficult to count on Aiyuk to be that guy in 2026, even if he does sign. But what about his former teammate, Jauan Jennings?
Jennings, a 49ers' seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, remains a free agent. It's not because he isn't good, but more to do with his price tag. Jennings wasn't going to settle for what he felt was a below-market deal. He will not be returning to San Francisco, after the 49ers signed future Hall of Famer .
Q&A
Why are the Washington Commanders interested in Brandon Aiyuk?
The Commanders need a No. 2 receiver to complement Terry McLaurin, and Aiyuk is seen as a potential fit once he leaves the 49ers.
What is the current status of Brandon Aiyuk with the 49ers?
The 49ers have stated that Aiyuk has played his last game for them, but they are not releasing him immediately.
What challenges might the Commanders face in signing Aiyuk?
Concerns about Aiyuk's knee injury and his past behavior in San Francisco could complicate the signing process.
Who else might the Commanders consider if they don't sign Aiyuk?
If they decide against Aiyuk, the Commanders may look at his former teammate Jauan Jennings as an alternative.
