Well, it looks like the Dallas Cowboys have one fewer thing to worry about in the NFC East sweepstakes
Winning the NFC East won’t be easy for the Dallas Cowboys in 2026. But they at least have one fewer thing to worry about when it comes to the division rival Washington Commanders. Or at least, it looks like it.
The Dallas Cowboys’ biggest threat to win the NFC East in 2026 lies in Philadelphia. The Eagles roster, even with concerns surrounding the offense, remains one of the NFL’s best. But it’s no secret the New York Giants and Washington Commanders are expected to improve.
While both combined for nine wins last year, they’re currently projected by oddsmakers to win 7.5 games each. When it comes to the Commanders though, their chances of surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with playmakers are looking slimmer.
I recently wrote about what needs to happen for the Cowboys to get off to a 3-0 start and one big item was taking away wide receiver Terry McLaurin in Week 2. Why? The Commanders don’t have much else going on on offense. And the Brandon Aiyuk speculation is highly unlikely to happen after his latest activity on social media.
Cowboys will likely avoid Aiyuk in the NFC East
For those who have missed it, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is in the middle of a standoff with his team. After an All-Pro season in 2023, Aiyuk suffered a season-ending injury in 2024 and later missed required rehab sessions with the 49ers—which then led to the front office voiding guarantees of over $27 million.
Aiyuk has consistently taken to social media to suggest that he’s bound for the Washington Commanders. But now he’s seemingly beefing with Jayden Daniels himself.
Aiyuk posted a story on Instagram tagging Daniels.
“You’re on my team now,” Aiyuk says to the camera. “You have to follow my rules. I’m a grown (expletive) man, boy. You’re gonna have to stop running behind your momma, and I might believe what you’re talking about.”
While Aiyuk has been trying to force his way out of the 49ers for a while now, it is unclear why he’s taking aim at Daniels now. Both were teammates at Arizona State. They were described as “best friends” by Deebo Samuel in 2025.
Aiyuk’s comments follow a viral World Cup moment when a 49ers fan yells “(Expletive) Brandon Aiyuk!” to Daniels, who then laughs about it.
Some have speculated this is all an act, but frankly, it’s difficult to see where the strategy is or how Aiyuk’s story in any way helps his chances of landing with the Commanders. If anything, the antics probably hurt them. Not to mention, there’s no reason for Daniels to publicly involve himself in any of this.
No Aiyuk makes Commanders very beatable
First of all, hopefully Aiyuk is okay and this frustrating saga ends soon.
From the Cowboys’ point of view, though, no Aiyuk in Washington is a good thing. Daniels is a talented quarterback as he showed in his rookie season but he clearly needs help in the Commanders offense.
Other than McLaurin, his wide receiver room is currently made up of the likes of third-round rookie Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, and Jaylin Lane, among others. Their second-best target might be tight end Chig Okonkwo, who is a solid player but has never been an offense’s star. It will be difficult for the Commanders to make a serious run for the division talent with the talent they currently have on offense.
The Aiyuk saga has been so weird that there may still be a chance for him to sign with the Commanders. But I just don’t see it with what’s going on with his social media right now.