Brandon Aiyuk's Instagram feud with Jayden Daniels jeopardizes Washington move

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, currently on the team’s reserve/left‑squad list, has repeatedly said he wants to leave for the Washington Commanders, citing his former Arizona State teammate quarterback Jayden Daniels as a key draw. In a series of Instagram Stories in early July 2026, Aiyuk publicly insulted Daniels and the quarterback’s mother, unfollowed Daniels, and posted a video urging the “grown‑ass man” to “start running behind your momma.” Daniels responded with a meme of NBA star Kevin Durant giving a thumbs‑down, and the two subsequently unfollowed each other.

The social‑media spat has drawn criticism from NFL insiders, who say Aiyuk is burning his only realistic NFL bridge. Analysts note the Commanders have stayed silent, and the lack of a clear interest may push Washington to consider other receivers such as Stefon Diggs. The 49ers have voided Aiyuk’s 2026 guaranteed money after he missed the 2025 season due to a torn ACL and MCL suffered in October 2024, and they have not yet released him, leaving him on the reserve list.

Aiyuk’s behavior – including calling the 49ers “stupid,” labeling former GM John Lynch and his agent “weirdos,” and posting provocative videos – is seen as a potential career‑damaging move that could make other teams reluctant to sign him even on a short‑term deal.