The Washington Commanders are widely expected to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk once he finally becomes clear of the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have already said Aiyuk has played his last down for the 49ers, but aren’t willing to release him now so he can get his wish and reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels on the Commanders.
San Francisco isn’t in a hurry because it doesn’t need to be. The 49ers can wait until close to Week 1 to move on from Aiyuk. While they’re holding out hope for a trade, even they know that’s not happening. Not only is Aiyuk coming off a knee injury, but no one knows his current condition, and his current contract almost makes him untradeable.
Do the Commanders want to continue to allow this to play out? They probably have inside information on Aiyuk’s current condition because of Daniels, but he’d still need to be evaluated by team doctors. There are also questions about how Aiyuk handled himself in San Francisco. While Daniels and GM Adam Peters know him well, Washington must be careful not to disrupt the “brotherhood” culture head coach Dan Quinn has built.
Washington still has one significant need remaining: a No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. It will be difficult to count on Aiyuk to be that guy in 2026, even if he does sign. But what about his former teammate, Jauan Jennings?
Jennings, a 49ers’ seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, remains a free agent. It’s not because he isn’t good, but more to do with his price tag. Jennings wasn’t going to settle for what he felt was a below-market deal. He will not be returning to San Francisco, after the 49ers signed future Hall of Famer Mike Evans.
Kay Adams of “Up & Adams,” made her case for Washington to sign Jennings.
“I’d like to see him as a Commander,” Adams said on Wednesday about Jennings. “Adam Peters drafted Antonio Williams, a slot out of Clemson. Nice little weapon for Jayden, you love to see it. I would still like a big boy. A physical target on the outside. I want Jayden to thrive………He’s got juice. He’s like a tough guy, coming from a pedigreed program. I don’t know. He’s going to help the run game. He’ll block his a– off.”
Adams is correct. Jennings is tough. He is an outstanding blocker. While he’s not an outside burner, his presence could free up McLaurin to be used more as a downfield target, while Williams works the slot. After almost two months of no movement in contract talks, Jennings is scheduled to meet with the Minnesota Vikings this week. Is that enough to get Peters to try and bring him in?
Jauan Jennings would be PERFECT for the Commanders. Here’s why:@heykayadamspic.twitter.com/0B5wHNnOpK
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 29, 2026
Washington has the space to sign Jennings. However, it’s doubtful. The Commanders appear set on Aiyuk, regardless of how long it will take for him to become free. Jennings would fill a need and quickly become a favorite of head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough because of his team-first mindset and unselfishness in the run game.
For now, the game of chicken continues between the 49ers and Commanders, while Jennings looks to pick his next team, which is unlikely to be San Francisco or Washington.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Should they pursue Jauan Jennings?