Brandon Aiyuk is getting cheaper and cheaper for the Commanders, but it’s obvious the bottom line still holds the most weight
The Commanders, along with the rest of the NFL, are in wait-and-see mode when it comes to Brandon Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers. His trade value diminishes with each passing day, but Washington needs to stay pat.
The Washington Commanders still need help at wide receiver, even after drafting Antonio Williams, and the popular name for the job is (and has been) Brandon Aiyuk.
This has gone on for months, now, and while it’s a tired topic, there’s an earnest truth underneath the groundwork: As we enter the Commanders’ Phase III of the offseason, Brandon Aiyuk’s price tag in terms of trade compensation is the lowest it’s ever been.
The latest proof of concept comes in the form of a Bleacher Report article where they put together a hypothetical trade package for the San Francisco 49ers wideout.
This would be a total win for the Commanders if this is what it takes to acquire Brandon Aiyuk in a trade:
Washington Commanders Receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 2027 Round 6 Pick
San Francisco 49ers Receive: 2027 Round 5 Pick
It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers want to be rid of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk missed 10 games in 2024 with a torn ACL. Spent the 2025 season recuperating from that injury. And spent 2026 away from the Niners after his relationship with the team disintegrated. Aiyuk also carries a cap hit of $13.7 million in 2026 and $41.4 million in 2027.
That is not ideal.
gary davenport
Bleacher Report
The draft capital should not be the Commanders’ concern in a Brandon Aiyuk trade
Like we’ve discussed, the trade compensation is not the concern in a trade. In fact, it’s the last thing any team is worried about in this vacuum.
It’s Aiyuk’s contract. The 49ers voided his 2026 guarantees in 2025, freeing up more than $24 million in financial responsibility. The option kicks in on September 1 (if Aiyuk is on the team, obviously), but the plan is he won’t be. Regardless, the acquiring team would be saddled with that decision since it’s no longer guaranteed.
That means Aiyuk would be owed more than $26 million in 2026 – and that’s in cash. The option bonus can be prorated over the next five years, but the sticking point is the cash. He’s then owed a $27.274 million base salary in 2027 and a $29.150 million base salary in 2028. Meaning, that’s all cash, as well.
That’s an untenable contract for any team. Especially when considering Aiyuk’s recent injury history and fallout with the 49ers. The Commanders have to get that reworked before bringing Aiyuk on and it’s a major mistake if they don’t do that.
Honestly, I think that’s the holdup with any team, right now. NFL GMs know it’s a bad situation and they’re going to remedy it before taking on any kind of responsibility.
So, expect this to stay in wait-and-see mode for the foreseeable future. As it should.