Commanders reportedly could pivot from Brandon Aiyuk to this veteran option

Throughout the offseason, stories had repeatedly linked San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk with a Washington Commanders team that has a need at the position. However, recent social-media activities could lead one to believe that Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is no longer all that keen on the club eventually acquiring Aiyuk.

On Monday morning, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US mentioned that any chance Aiyuk had of possibly joining the Commanders "may be gone now that he is publicly sparring with their star quarterback." La Canfora also wrote that veteran DeAndre Hopkins, who spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, "might be the best fit for Washington." 

Why Commanders could pick DeAndre Hopkins over Brandon Aiyuk

"He played in the vicinity of Washington last season, a few miles away in Baltimore, and several execs and agents around the league believe Hopkins would be thrilled to play with Daniels," La Canfora said. "While not a burner, Hopkins continued to show strong downfield target metrics last season with the Ravens, even though he did not see much of the ball. He has elite hands, can box out in traffic and can still make acrobatic catches."

In total, Hopkins tallied 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns over 17 games with the Ravens last season. There's been no indication Baltimore is going to re-sign him, and he made it known that he wants "to play for a competitor." 

La Canfora spoke with one long-time NFL personnel executive who thinks Daniels could benefit from playing with Hopkins.

"He has played on winning teams and understands playoff expectations, and has been able to connect quickly with mobile quarterbacks who tend to get chunk yards downfield on scramble drills," La Canfora added about Hopkins. "Money shouldn’t be a hold-up, and Hopkins also comes with less fanfare and potential drama than Stefon Diggs, who has tended to bring more off-field distractions with him."

Most recently, the NFL completed a personal conduct policy investigation into Diggs regarding an alleged incident involving the free-agent wide receiver said to have occurred on Dec. 2, 2025.

Have Commanders moved on from possible Brandon Aiyuk move?

Aiyuk needs to petition the league for reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list before he and the 49ers make their expected breakup official. Even if he does so as soon as July 6, it sounds like the Commanders could go in a different direction.

"Aiyuk has sabotaged himself with the 49ers and quite likely, most of the rest of the NFL as well, and he was banking on a reunion with Daniels, whom he played with at Arizona State, but that seems remote now," La Canfora said. 

La Canfora was referencing how people around the league have reacted to the multiple videos Aiyuk has shared via social media over the past couple of months. Aiyuk hasn't played since he suffered a serious knee injury in October 2024, and the 49ers voided the remaining guaranteed money attached to his contract because he didn't participate in required rehab sessions.

Some seem to think Aiyuk has already played his final NFL game. Meanwhile, those running the Commanders would likely say plenty about their thoughts on Aiyuk if the team signs Hopkins or a different pass-catcher before training camp opens.