Hogs Haven
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
The Athletic (paywall)
Speculation over whether Brandon Aiyuk will join the Washington Commanders if and when he’s released by the San Francisco 49ers might have unofficially ended Saturday.
The wide receiver, who has taken jabs at the 49ers and repeatedly claimed that he plans to sign with the Commanders in recent social media posts, appeared to take a swipe at Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, his friend and former Arizona State teammate, in another post Saturday night.
Daniels, seemingly in response to Aiyuk’s message, shared a screenshot on his Instagram story of Houston Rockets forward and ardent Commanders fan Kevin Durant giving a thumbs-down to a fan earlier this year.
Minutes later, Aiyuk followed with yet another Instagram post, sharing a GIF of him holding up a pair of shoes with the message: “Let’s Run it 5! Let’s see ! Need you available all son and I’ll do the same !”
It’s plausible that Aiyuk’s social media posts on Saturday were in response to a now-viral video of a fan addressing Daniels at a World Cup match.
Multiple people with knowledge of the Commanders’ thinking before Aiyuk’s series of social media videos and photos said the team thought Aiyuk could be a potential boost to its roster, but couldn’t bank on that given the circumstances.
It’s not known where the Commanders stand on Aiyuk since his latest series of social media posts.
[T]he Commanders would indeed pursue the 49ers receiver, if quarterback Jayden Daniels wants Aiyuk on the team. And it was believed that Daniels did indeed want Aiyuk.
Then, all hell broke loose on social media.
Aiyuk, as many have noticed, unfollowed Daniels on Instagram. Then, Aiyuk posted on his Instagram story a couple of videos directed at Daniels.
The issue possibly traces to the recent video of a 49ers fan repeatedly yelling at Daniels, “Fuck Brandon Aiyuk!” Daniels responds by smiling and laughing. Aiyuk apparently didn’t appreciate that.
Regardless, Daniels is the key to Aiyuk landing with the Commanders. If Daniels wants Aiyuk, the front office will be inclined to go along. If Daniels doesn’t, it won’t happen.
As of now, it looks like it won’t happen.
It’s really hard to gauge this situation right now. Aiyuk could have stayed quiet and let things play out. Instead, he went on a verbal tirade against the Niners while also putting his close friend in the crosshairs. And in all honesty, that might be his final mistake.
Daniels has rightfully distanced himself. The Commanders’ reported interest hasn’t been confirmed by anyone...
