Commanders Reportedly Poised to Sign Receiver Brandon Aiyuk

The former 49ers wideout is expected to join Washington on a one-year 'prove-it' deal.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Washington Commanders are widely expected to sign free agent wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who was recently released by the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk, a former first-round pick, is coming off a tumultuous 2025 season in which he missed the entire year due to injury and contract disputes. The Commanders are reportedly interested in Aiyuk on a one-year 'prove-it' deal, as he looks to rebound and regain his form from 2022 and 2023 when he posted 1,000-yard seasons.

Why it matters

The Commanders are in need of offensive playmakers to complement star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and Aiyuk could provide a high-upside option if he can stay healthy and focused. However, Aiyuk's recent issues raise questions about his reliability, making a short-term 'prove-it' deal a sensible approach for Washington.

The details

Aiyuk, who will turn 28 later this month, was released by the 49ers as the team looks to move on from the drama surrounding his 2025 season. Despite posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2022 and 2023, Aiyuk's tenure in San Francisco ended on a sour note. The Commanders are seen as the most likely landing spot for the talented wideout, who would likely sign a one-year contract to demonstrate he can stay on the field and produce at a high level.

  • Aiyuk is expected to be released by the 49ers as the new league year begins on March 15, 2026.
  • The Commanders are widely reported to be the frontrunners to sign Aiyuk once he becomes a free agent.

The players

Brandon Aiyuk

A former first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers, Aiyuk is a talented wide receiver who has posted 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 before an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.

Washington Commanders

The NFL franchise based in Washington, D.C. that is in need of offensive playmakers to complement star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

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What they’re saying

“Even if/when Washington lands Brandon Aiyuk on a 1-year prove it, I would expect them to pursue another WR. They need another wideout who can build a relationship with Jayden Daniels -- especially with Terry McLaurin's cap hit around $34 million in '27 (tough to keep at that #).”

— John Keim, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“With the new league year set to begin today, the #49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk. Could happen as soon as today, but certainly soon. Washington is the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, probably on a one-year prove it deal. SF is expected to use post June 1 designation, which is why they had to wait until new league year begins.”

— Nick Waggoner, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Commanders will need to finalize contract terms with Aiyuk once he is officially released by the 49ers, likely on a one-year 'prove-it' deal.

The takeaway

The Commanders' reported interest in signing Brandon Aiyuk represents a high-risk, high-reward move as they look to bolster their receiving corps. Aiyuk has shown he can be a dominant wideout, but his tumultuous 2025 season raises questions about his reliability. A one-year 'prove-it' deal could pay dividends for Washington if Aiyuk can regain his form and stay healthy.