NFL may be setting up primetime grudge match between Brandon Aiyuk and 49ers

Both wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers know their days joined together are swiftly counting down toward a conclusion.

The disgruntled wideout who went AWOL last year and has been difficult to reach won't play another snap for the Niners again despite still being on their roster, at least officially. Yet San Francisco's attempts to trade Aiyuk have been entirely unsuccessful, especially with potential suitors knowing he'll ultimately get released.

And it's likely no later than Sept. 1 when Aiyuk is due a major option bonus, one the 49ers won't want to pay.

The Washington Commanders are widely regarded as the chief suitor, particularly with how close Aiyuk is with their quarterback, Jayden Daniels, as the two played together in college at Arizona State. During Aiyuk's contentuous contract negotiations back in 2024, he frequently alluded to joining forces with Daniels at some point soon.

That could easily happen within the next few months regardless if there's an actual trade involved.

And if it does, the NFL schedule makers are certainly looking to take full advantage.

NFL rumored to schedule primetime 49ers-Commanders bout to feature Brandon Aiyuk

The official 2026 regular-season schedule hasn't quite been released yet, but rumors and leaks have started to work their way through the mix.

One of them has Washington visiting the Niners for a Week 6 Monday Night Football game on Oct. 19:

We already know San Francisco will host the Commanders at Levi's Stadium at some point this season, but it's not officially confirmed when that game would be. And it's important to acknowledge the above rumor as just that: a rumor.

Still, the league has its pulse on all things Aiyuk, of course, and it wouldn't pass up the opportunity to use the drama between the three parties as a means to generate some serious interest on the national scale.

So, why not schedule a primetime bout, right?

All that's left is for the 49ers to be rid of Aiyuk and the Commanders to subsequently sign him, of course.

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