Disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk explicitly teased a move to the Washington Commanders in a Father’s Day Instagram video heavily circulated on June 22. Wearing Commanders gear, Aiyuk concluded his holiday message by stating, “And before I lay down and go to bed tonight, I just want to say go Commanders! Raise hail!”
The social media post accelerates ongoing rumors that the 49ers are preparing to either trade or outright release him before training camp begins in late July. Aiyuk’s relationship with San Francisco management reached a breaking point following a tumultuous two years away from the field.
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension prior to the 2024 season. He subsequently suffered season-ending ACL and MCL tears in Week 7 of that year and has not played a professional snap since. The relationship soured when Aiyuk skipped his mandatory team rehab sessions. San Francisco placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December 2025.
The team utilized a contractual clause to explicitly void $27 million of Aiyuk’s future guarantees as a direct penalty for his refusal to attend the mandatory medical rehabilitation sessions, according to a detailed report by Sports Illustrated.
The “Go Commanders” video follows another social media attack earlier in June 2026. In a 90-second rant, Aiyuk criticized the front office for voiding his guarantees and called them “little-a– boys” before proclaiming, “I’m about to be on a new team in 2026.”
Off the field, Aiyuk is currently facing an active arrest warrant issued by the Santa Clara County District Attorney. The warrant is tied to a December 2025 exhibition of speed incident where he filmed himself driving over 100 mph near Levi’s Stadium.
The Washington Commanders remain the focal point of the current trade rumors. The connection is largely driven by Aiyuk’s preexisting chemistry with Commanders starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former teammate at Arizona State University.