Brandon Aiyuk (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NFL fans believe they’ve figured out Brandon Aiyuk’s next team following a blockbuster trade between two heated NFC rivals on Thursday.

After unsuccessful discussions on a new contract, Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade from the 49ers last month. The 26-year-old is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.

The Philadelphia Eagles announced on X/Twitter this morning that they have acquired wide receiver Jahan Dotson and a 2025 fifth-round pick from the NFC East rival Washington Commanders for a third-round pick plus two 2025 seventh-rounders.

The move came as a surprise for two key reasons. For starters, Dotson is a recent former first-round pick (16th overall in 2022). And secondly, Washington is taking a giant risk in sending Dotson to a division rival that might fully unlock his potential.

But fans on social media believe the explanation behind the Dotson trade is simple: The Commanders are on the verge of completing a trade for Brandon Aiyuk:

The Commanders, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have all been linked to Aiyuk since his trade request. But according to multiple reports, New England and Cleveland removed themselves from the sweepstakes.

Last season, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Over his first four seasons, the Arizona State product has 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Washington opens their 2024 season with a road contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 8.

Brandon Aiyuk Would Be The Perfect Addition For Commanders

The Commanders have a promising offensive nucleus led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and superstar WR Terry McLaurin. Now imagine if they added a borderline top-10 receiver like Aiyuk to bolster this offense.

Aiyuk is one of the NFL’s best at racking up YAC (yards after the catch), so he would be an ideal fit in an offense led by a dual-threat QB like Daniels.