Breaking News: Washington Commanders head coach just summitted his resignation letter to the management.
The San Francisco 49ers reportedly had trade discussions with the Washington Commanders regarding 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, but the Commanders opted against doing a deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on NFL Live Monday (h/t George Carmi of Full Press NFL).
Later in the day, JPA Football relayed the Schefter report in an Instagram post, to which Aiyuk himself replied.
“But I thought the niners was never tryna trade me?”
Aiyuk, 26, just caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal after the 49ers picked up his fifth-year option.
Both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted during April’s NFL draft that the 49ers had discussions with other teams on Aiyuk, but nothing ever seemed close.
It’s clear Aiyuk isn’t entirely happy with the situation.
He appeared in a TikTok video on June 17 with Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, saying.
“They said they don’t want me back.” It’s unclear just what Aiyuk meant by that, whether it be after his contract expires in 2024 or whether the team doesn’t want him at his asking price in a long-term deal.
There are also a few clear connections with the Commanders. First, he and Daniels are friends and former Arizona State teammates.
Second, Commanders general manager Adam Peters worked in the 49ers front office from 2017-2023, all with Lynch and Shanahan.
Also, ESPN analyst Ryan Clark revealed more information on NFL Live regarding a meeting Aiyuk set up with the 49ers alongside other information.
