Brandon Aiyuk finds himself in a difficult situation during the 2026 NFL offseason. Many reports indicate that he is unlikely to remain with the San Francisco 49ers, but he is still under contract with the franchise. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell gave a recent update on where the two sides stand and also urged the Washington Commanders to make a move.
Bill Barnwell Explains Why the Commanders Should Acquire Brandon Aiyuk
The Commanders are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025. This followed a 2024 campaign where the team finished 12-5 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game. They now enter the offseason with general manager Adam Peters looking to make adjustments to the roster.
Their wide receivers could use an upgrade, especially with Deebo Samuel currently a free agent after his contract voided in February, and Barnwell suggested targeting Aiyuk. He detailed the receiver’s current situation with the 49ers as many reports suggest that he is on his way out of San Francisco.
“The 49ers haven’t yet cut Aiyuk in the hopes of landing a trade for their former first-round pick, whose future lays away from San Francisco … While it seems that all parties involved accept that he won’t be on the 49ers in 2026, San Francisco can choose to wait and see whether he impresses another franchise enough to land even a late-round pick via trade,” explained Barnwell.
The analyst detailed that trading for the veteran would require picking up his $26.2 million salary for the 2026 NFL season. He outlined an alternative plan for the Commanders with the 49ers expected to move on from him at some point this year.
“The most realistic scenario would see the 49ers cut him sometime between now and Week 1. When they do, it would make all the sense in the world for Peters, a former 49ers executive, to sign him…
“A one-year deal for a smaller amount would make sense for both sides, with the Commanders adding a potential star wideout for nothing more than cash and Aiyuk getting a chance to prove himself away from San Francisco before hitting free agency,” suggested Barnwell.
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The wide receiver missed the entire 2025 season and only played in seven games in 2024, so taking on his current contract would be a major gamble for the Commanders. Barnwell believes they should wait until the 49ers likely release him instead and target a short-term deal.
Aiyuk’s last full season in 2023 included him finishing fourth among all players in his position in PFSN’s Impact Rankings. This suggests his potential upside despite the clear risks.
