49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk clearly has one NFL team on his mind

Brandon Aiyuk remains a member of the San Francisco 49ers—for now.

The 49ers are expected to release the veteran wide receiver before training camp begins in late July. Still, Aiyuk appears to have already set his sights on his next destination: the Washington Commanders.

In a recent Instagram video in which the receiver said he had a great Father's Day, he ended the message by adding, "And before I lay down and go to bed tonight, I just want to say go Commanders!"

The comment will only fuel speculation that Aiyuk believes Washington could be his next NFL home. While the Commanders have reportedly shown little interest in trading for the disgruntled receiver, they could emerge as a landing spot if he becomes a free agent and is willing to sign a prove-it deal.

The 49ers had hoped to trade Aiyuk this offseason but have reportedly been unable to find a team willing to both surrender assets and absorb the remainder of his lucrative contract.

San Francisco signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 season. However, he appeared in only seven games before suffering season-ending ACL and MCL injuries.

The 49ers initially hoped Aiyuk could return at some point during the 2025 campaign, but that never materialized. The situation became even more complicated as Aiyuk cut off communication with the team.

Aiyuk has repeatedly taken public shots at the organization in recent months. Earlier this month, he criticized the 49ers' handling of his situation.

"They mad because they stupid," Aiyuk ranted during a bizarre Instagram video. "They dumb. They mad that they paid me $50 million in eight months and then voided my guarantees for 2027. And I'm about to be on a new team in 2026."

With Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area seemingly over, the 49ers have already reshaped their wide receiver room. The team signed veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk during the offseason and used its top draft selection on De'Zhaun Stribling.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the end of the Aiyuk saga.