Commanders Re-Enter Brandon Aiyuk Trade Talks

What if the Washington Commanders sending a former first-round receiver Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles - a much-panned swap in which new GM Adam Peters looks like the loser - is only the first shoe to drop?

What if the Commanders' second shoe is all about re-entering the bidding for a receiver who is head-and-shoulders superior to Aiyuk?

We suggested that idea in this space on Thursday when the Dotson deal was done. And now there is buzz in The Bay that Washington is indeed re-entering the seemingly dormant trade discussions involving San Francisco 49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Bay Area reporter Mike Silver, speaking on San Francisco radio stadion KNBR, said the talks are "not dead.''

"I wouldn't rule out Washington," Silver said. "And I know there have been reports that the Commanders are out, but they just traded a receiver ... Adam Peters and John Lynch obviously can communicate very easily on this. That's the other team besides the Steelers that Aiyuk has honed in on as where he wants to go."

Before coming here, Peters worked under Lynch. That connection is legit.

And of course, Aiyuk played college football with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels for a time at Arizona State and has made it known that he'd love to re-join the D.C. rookie star in the making.

Related: Commanders Named 'Most Likely To Improve' This Season

Recent reports said the only two options left were Aiyuk signing in San Francisco or being traded to Pittsburgh. But a third option, maybe, has always lingered. Mentioning its existence to a media member could be a leverage ploy (by the Niners or by Aiyuk). But if there is fire under this smoke?

The Commanders have cap space available and they have a gaping roster hole alongside Terry McLaurin. The pairing of Aiyuk with McLaurin would be elite ... and taking as "two shoes,'' the double-move trades would allow Washington to come out looking like a winner.