Aiyuk's Niners Exit, Washington's Commanders Landing Spot

0:00It's March 18th. Here's your NFL news in two minutes. Subscribe to Stay Locked in All Season. The San Francisco 49ers are set to part ways with wide receiver Brandon Ayuk. General manager John Lynch confirmed the 2021 first-round pick has played his last snap with the team. This comes less than two years after Ayuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension. The 49ers voted the remaining guaranteed money on his deal after Ayuk tore his ACL in MCL, just seven games into the 2024 season. Ayuk has stayed mostly quiet, but made it clear he wants out, even deciding against filing a grievance. Meanwhile, the Washington commanders look like his top landing spot, thanks to his close ties with quarterback Jaden Daniels and General Manager Adam Peters. Team-made George Kittle recently shares some behind-the-scenes details on a podcast. He described Ayuk being in and out during training camp in the early season, skipping meetings and locker room visits.

1:02Kittle would check on him in the weight room during rehab, trying to offer support. According to Kittle, this pattern started around week six of the season, a week later, a big story broke, and Ayuk stopped showing up altogether. Kittle did note that Ayuk texted him support after Kittle's playoff injury in January. This teammate perspective sheds new light on the growing rift, which traces back to tough contract talks. The 49ers are in no rush to trade him, but expected deals soon, possibly for a late-round pick, with Washington ready to bolster their receiving, clear. This DNN story is thanks to our sponsor details in the description. Relax deeper, reset faster, comfort you can hear. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com. Made in A-I.