Who Should I Start? Brandon Aiyuk or Rashod Bateman

Thursday, June 25, 9:06 AM

In a video posted to Instagram, San Francisco 49ers disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) said that if the Niners release him, he will sign with the Washington Commanders "tomorrow," according to ESPN. Aiyuk, who didn't play at all in 2025 due to a knee injury suffered in 2024, is still under contract with the 49ers, so it's unclear if Washington is actually interested in signing the former first-round talent. San Fran has held onto Aiyuk in hopes of trading him this offseason, but general manager John Lynch said in January that it was "safe to say that Aiyuk has played his last snap with the Niners." The 49ers may be waiting for the start of training camp at the end of July to decide on Aiyuk's status. The Niners signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract extension in August of 2024, but he ended up playing in only seven games that year due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee. The Commanders have been a popular potential destination for Aiyuk to pair with WR1 Terry McLaurin after they have not re-signed Deebo Samuel Sr. in the offseason.