49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Appears to Tease Imminent Move to the Commanders

Brandon Aiyuk's new Instagram video says he's joining the Commanders.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Appears to Tease Imminent Move to the Commanders

Brandon Aiyuk (Image via IMAGO)

Brandon Aiyuk’s goal is to join the Washington Commanders. But before moving to the nation’s capital to link up with his college buddy, Jayden Daniels, he must cut ties with the San Francisco 49ers.

Aiyuk is slowly realizing that forcing a franchise to release him isn’t a walk in the park. One area is crystal clear. He will not be suiting up for the 49ers in the future.

His only hope right now is to somehow convince the Niners to release him so he can continue his NFL career. And he only wants to play for the Commanders.

On June 2, Aiyuk uploaded a video with the caption “Mood cuz I am gonna be a Commanders Soon,” while mimicking a viral social media dance meme.

There’s no indication from the 49ers’ end whether they will release Aiyuk. Experts like Adam Schefter believe that the 49ers may cut Aiyuk during or after training camp.

According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, Aiyuk’s base salary for 2026 is just $1.215 million (the Niners voided his 2026 guarantees). But his bonuses are still active, and it’s a hefty chunk.

If that option bonus isn’t exercised, an acquiring team would be on the hook for all of it at once, driving his salary for 2026 to more than $26 million. Combine that with base salaries that inflate to $27.274 million in 2027 and $29.15 million in 2028.

Wagoner wrote

It’s hard to envision any team wanting to pay Aiyuk that much money after all the drama he’s caused. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network explained that the 49ers can just continue to observe the situation and do nothing.

The bottom line is, the 49ers don’t need to do anything. I guarantee Kyle Shanahan, wherever he is, he’s probably in Cabo or Hawaii; he’s not sitting there looking at Instagram and going ‘Boy, the 17th insult is the one that pushed this over the top. We should just give him his way and release him.

Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show

Former Commanders general manager warns the team about Brandon Aiyuk

Aiyuk’s motivation to become a Commander is his former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. Daniels is the starting quarterback of the Washington franchise, drafted second overall a couple of years ago.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Appears to Tease Imminent Move to the Commanders
Brandon Aiyuk (Image via IMAGO)

That same year, Aiyuk signed a $30 million per year extension with the 49ers. Seven games into the new season, he suffered a devastating ACL injury. The Niners placed him on the injured reserve list, bringing an end to his campaign.

According to tight end George Kittle, Aiyuk visited the facility after regaining mobility in his leg. However, that episode was brief. He disappeared before the offseason training sessions and has remained AWOL ever since.

Wide receivers acting like divas isn’t a new phenomenon. But Aiyuk is taking his feud with the 49ers too far, and his actions have ramifications.

Former Commanders general manager Scot McCloughan is warning the club to steer clear of Aiyuk. Although McCloughan doesn’t doubt Aiyuk’s talent, he’s more concerned about his attitude. On a recent episode of The Kevin Sheehan Show, McCloughan recalled Arizona State facing a similar issue with Aiyuk.

Herm Edwards was the coach, and he said, ‘Listen, he’s a wildcard. We don’t know if he’s going to show up. We don’t know if he’s gonna do anything or he might come and have the best day of his career’… What he’s done to the 49ers is embarrassing. Embarrassing.

Scot McCloughan said

Aiyuk spent the final two years of college with the Sun Devils. The 49ers drafted him 25th overall. He has made 69 appearances since then, racking up 294 receptions, 4305 yards and 25 touchdowns.

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