Another door is seemingly closed for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
A preferred destination for Aiyuk, the Washington Commanders, agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $12 million for wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a person close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to disclose the deal. Diggs’ arrival in the nation’s capital appears to have ended Aiyuk’s dream of joining the Commanders.
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Aiyuk, who was teammates with Commanders QB Jayden Daniels while the two were at Arizona State in 2019, has flirted with the Commanders all offseason. He appeared on social media wearing a Commanders hat and also appeared to suggest he bought a home near the Commanders’ practice facility. The clips were part of a slew of bizarre posts he’s posted on social media this offseason. Some of which even disparaged Daniels.
He said he would sign “with the Commanders tomorrow” if he was released by the 49ers. in a video posted June 24.
Why Brandon Aiyuk isn’t playing for the 49ers
Aiyuk hasn’t played since Week 7 of the 2024 season when he suffered a torn ACL.
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For now, Aiyuk remains on the 49ers’ reserve/left squad list, a designation he’s had since December. While on San Francisco‘s reserve/left squad list, Aiyuk doesn’t count against the 49ers’ 90-man roster or their salary cap. Aiyuk must apply for reinstatement for his status to change.
The 49ers don’t appear to be in any hurry to do acquiesce to any of Aiyuk’s requests to allow him to continue his career elsewhere.
Aiyuk said he would sign “with the Commanders tomorrow” if he was released by the 49ers in a video posted June 24.
What’s next for Brandon Aiyuk?
Aiyuk could ask to meet with the 49ers or tell the team he plans to report to training camp, which could compel the 49ers to make a determination on the wide receiver. But to this point, Aiyuk’s chosen to voice his displeasure with the 49ers via social media.
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Nonetheless, Aiyuk is running out of options. The wideout hasn’t played since 2024, his social media antics have certainly cooled off any potential suitors and his preferred team decided to go in a different direction.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: What’s next for Brandon Aiyuk after Commanders sign Stefon Diggs
