The 2026 NFL trade deadline is already living up to expectations. There have already been some massive trades ahead of the deadline, including a blockbuster deal involving Jeffery Simmons. Could one of the league's most controversial veteran players finally be on the move after more than a year of off-the-field drama?
NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport shared intel from around the league ahead of the trade deadline. They explained that the Commanders are still not completely out of Brandon Aiyuk.
“The Commanders haven't completely abandoned the idea of adding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who was rumored during the summer to end up in Washington, according to sources,” Schefter and Rapoport wrote on Sunday. “Before an Aiyuk deal could happen — if it were to happen — the organization would have to have discussions with multiple people. It's not a no, but it's also not a yes just yet.”
Aiyuk has not suited up in the NFL since the 2024 season. He suffered a serious knee injury and missed multiple team meetings. As a result, the 49ers voided roughly $27 million of guarantees on Aiyuk's contract. Understandably, the relationship between both sides is now quite contentious.
Aiyuk is attempting to get reinstated to play in the NFL this season. But some experts like ESPN's Jeremy Fowler are skeptical that Aiyuk will be reinstated anytime soon.
“Aiyuk wants to get reinstated to play in the NFL. His prospects in the short term are not promising, assuming he becomes a free agent eventually,” Fowler said.
As for the Commanders, they are 2-4-1 and still technically alive in the NFC East. Wide receiver is still a position of need, especially with Terry McLaurin on injured reserve. Aiyuk could be the solution Washington is looking for, so long as he is locked in on reviving his NFL career.
It will be interesting to see what happens next in the Aiyuk saga.
The NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. ET on November 10th. Any potential Aiyuk move must come before that deadline.