Commanders Reportedly Plan to Sign Brandon Aiyuk After 49ers Release

Washington isn't counting on Aiyuk as their WR2, but sees him as a potential low-risk, high-reward signing.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Washington Commanders are expected to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk once he is released by the San Francisco 49ers. According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the Commanders are not viewing Aiyuk as their WR2 behind Terry McLaurin, but rather as a potential low-risk, high-reward addition as he looks to revive his career after missing the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL.

Why it matters

The Commanders are in need of wide receiver help after their own pending free agent, Deebo Samuel, may not return. Aiyuk could provide an intriguing option if he can regain his form from 2024, when he had over 1,000 receiving yards, but his lengthy injury history and lack of recent playing time make him a risky proposition.

The details

Aiyuk is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Commanders once he is released by the 49ers. He has not played since October 2024 due to a torn ACL, so there are major questions about what he can provide after such a long layoff. The Commanders are not counting on him to be their WR2, but see him as a potential low-cost addition with upside if he can return to his previous level of production.

  • Aiyuk is expected to be released by the 49ers in the near future.
  • Aiyuk has not played since October 2024 due to a torn ACL.

The players

Brandon Aiyuk

A wide receiver who was previously with the San Francisco 49ers, but is expected to be released and sign with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal as he looks to revive his career after missing the 2025 season with a torn ACL.

Terry McLaurin

The Washington Commanders' top wide receiver, who the team is not expecting Aiyuk to replace as their WR2.

Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders' quarterback, who played with Aiyuk in college and could help him regain his form.

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What they’re saying

“When the 49ers release Brandon Aiyuk and he signs with the Commanders, the expectation it will be a one-year deal. Washington isn't putting their WR2 eggs in his basket though. It's a move that will come with risk.”

— Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports Reporter (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Commanders will wait for the 49ers to officially release Aiyuk before signing him to a one-year contract, hoping he can regain his form and provide depth at wide receiver.

The takeaway

The Commanders are taking a low-risk, high-reward approach by signing Aiyuk, who has significant upside if he can bounce back from his torn ACL, but also carries major injury concerns after missing the entire 2025 season. This move highlights the team's need for wide receiver help and their willingness to take a chance on a talented player looking to revive his career.