The Washington Commanders have yet to find a successor for Curtis Samuel, but Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report has proposed a deal that could help them locate one. In a planned deal with the San Francisco 49ers, the Commanders would acquire Brandon Aiyuk, a two-time 1,000-yard receiver.
Davenport requested that the Commanders send their 2024 Second Round pick, 2024 Third Round pick, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
“Aiyuk would be a significant step toward building around that quarterback. An Aiyuk/McLaurin partnership would most likely be among the league’s top ten duos at the position. Cap space is not an issue; no team in the NFC has more.
“While the second overall pick is a lofty order, the Commanders have four Day 2 picks to work with. The 49ers might also include Dotson, who is on a rookie contract for at least two more seasons, to sweeten the deal and mitigate the disappointment of not receiving a first-round pick.”
Why Commanders Can Use Aiyuk
Aside from Terry McLaurin, the Washington Commanders had only one other receiver with over 600 yards, Samuel. With Samuel set to join the Buffalo Bills in free agency, Aiyuk would provide the team with a second outstanding receiver.
The Commanders signed Austin Ekeler, who recorded 722 receiving yards in 2022. However, Ekeler was limited to 436 receiving yards in 2023, the fewest in his previous three seasons.
With the No. 2 choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Commanders might benefit from a player of Aiyuk’s caliber to assist their expected rookie quarterback.
While head coach Dan Quinn believes they have enough as is to help the No. 2 choice thrive, Aiyuk provides them with a player who he describes precisely. Quinn stated the following, according to Nathaniel Marrero of Sports Illustrated.
“I believe that in every position, you want to ensure that you are surrounded. Do you have a sense of balance? Any quarterback’s biggest buddy is the ability to hand it off, because that’s where good play throws come from.
“If you have a strong run game [and] a strong defense that can get the ball back, that’s what we want in a quarterback who can support a balanced attack.” [We can make] huge play passes with it. I wouldn’t say it’s particularly specific to our scenario. That is exactly who we want to be all the time.
Quinn is aiming for huge throw plays to complement their run game and a stout defense. Aiyuk did just that in 2023. He had eight games with a reception of at least 30 yards.
The Commanders also averaged only five yards per play in 2023, so adding Aiyuk, who averaged 17.9 yards per reception, would be a significant boost.
Aiyuk wants to get paid.
The San Francisco 49ers receiver is entering the final year of his deal. Aiyuk has stated that he wants to be compensated, something the Washington Commanders might do.
According to Spotrac, Aiyuk’s contract is worth $96 million over four years.
Aiyuk spoke with Yahoo Sports’ Ian Casselberry about what he is looking for.
“I’m trying to get what I deserve,” Aiyuk stated.
“I feel like this season, this football season, I figured out who I am as a person and a player, what I contribute to the table, the locker room, and the company. And just the value I feel when I step into the facility.
While Aiyuk would be expensive if he received his market value, the Commanders would gain a 26-year-old coming off his greatest season of his career.
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