Commanders’ timeline on expected free agency move received clarity, but it throws a wrench in their complicated plans
The Commanders are expected to make one more massive move this offseason, but the complicated situation could derail their progress.
The Washington Commanders spent the most money this offseason and finally invested in rebuilding the foundation of the roster.
There are still plenty of free agents the Commanders can target during the second wave of free agency, including one inevitable move. The Commanders are expected to be the landing spot for WR Brandon Aiyuk, but not until he’s officially available when the San Francisco 49ers release him.
The 49ers are playing a waiting game with Aiyuk, and the timeline for his availability both helped the Commanders and complicated their plans even more.
49ers could hold WR Brandon Aiyuk until well after the NFL Draft
The Commanders were unable to land a top WR in free agency after missing on Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs, but they still have plenty of avenues to fix the position. The top one may be lucking into a one-year prove-it deal with a WR looking for redemption. That’s exactly what the Commanders are hoping to get in WR Brandon Aiyuk, if they can actually get him.
Commanders reporter John Keim had ESPN’s 49ers report Nick Wagoner on his show to get insight on the Aiyuk situation, and it didn’t sound ideal for their plans heading into the NFL Draft.
Wagoner mentions that he highly doubts a team trades for Aiyuk despite the 49ers’ hopes of doing so, and that he could be released at any time now that the new league year has started, since the 49ers want a post-June 1st designation. He also says Aiyuk has a say in where he goes since the team that would trade for him certainly wouldn’t take on his current contract, and would need to rework it.
Wagoner said that it’s very realistic that the 49ers drag this situation all the way until the NFL Draft, and release him somewhere after that, and maybe even after June 1st. He added that the 49ers are also very aware that the Commanders are the landing spot for Aiyuk, and that a one-year prove-it deal would likely be the move.
How the timeline impacts the Commanders’ offseason plans
The Commanders obviously have a massive decision to make when they’re on the clock with the No. 7 overall pick, and taking a top WR like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, or Makai Lemon is certainly on the table. The Aiyuk situation shouldn’t change anything, including possibly adding Jauan Jennings at the right price.
The Commanders ideally need two more starting WR options this offseason, and Aiyuk can just be a late addition if the opportunity arises. Depth can also be a problem, like it was last year, with a lot of young, unproven options on offense having to step up with injuries. The Commanders resorted to signing aging veterans to help out.
Terry McLaurin, a rookie, and Aiyuk would be a solid starting WR room for QB Jayden Daniels, but Aiyuk could be replaced if the Commanders don’t feel like waiting on the 49ers to make a move.
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