San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has intensified speculation about a potential trade to the Washington Commanders through a series of social media posts targeting Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Aiyuk, whose contract situation with the 49ers has been a topic of discussion, appeared to call out Daniels, referencing his jersey number "5."
In one video, Aiyuk stated, "‘5’ gonna text me talking about some, ‘You’re on my team now. You follow my rules.’ Boy, I’m a grown a-- man, boy. You gonna have to start running behind your momma and I might believe what you talking about. But until then, (No)." He later tagged Daniels directly in a separate post, writing, "Tf always so funny lil n---a. Turn your savage up."
Amidst these exchanges, Aiyuk also expressed a desire to play with Daniels on the Commanders, posting, "Let’s run it 5! Let’s see! Need you available all szn and I’ll do the same." Aiyuk previously invoked the Commanders, seemingly indicating a desire to reunite with his former Arizona State teammate.
The 49ers have reportedly been seeking a trade partner for Aiyuk, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024. However, these public displays of frustration may not aid his efforts to secure a move. General Manager John Lynch has previously stated that Aiyuk's tenure with the team might be over.
Aiyuk's discontent with the 49ers has been evident for some time. Earlier this month, he posted videos calling the team "dumb" and "stupid" for his contract extension and suggested the team feared his potential performance elsewhere. The rift reportedly stems from the team voiding guaranteed money on his extension after he did not participate in rehab sessions for a knee injury sustained during the 2024 season. The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left team list in December after he stopped attending team facilities.
Prior to his injury in 2024, Aiyuk recorded 24 catches for 374 yards. In the 2023 season, he achieved a career-high 1,342 yards on 75 receptions with seven touchdowns, contributing to the 49ers' Super Bowl appearance.