Brandon Aiyuk says he's the 'final piece' for the Commanders

The San Francisco 49ers have opened training camp, and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did not report to the team. So, for now, he remains on the reserve/did not report list.

From the sounds of it, Aiyuk isn’t even in California. Just last week, Aiyuk claimed on social media that he had purchased a $10 million estate in Loudoun County, Virginia. The significance of that is that the Washington Commanders are based in Ashburn, Virginia, which is in Loudoun County. Aiyuk has made it no secret he wants to join the Commanders and quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington will begin training camp on Wednesday. Recently, Aiyuk sent a text message to Matt Barrows and Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic about the Commanders.

“AP and DQ (Dan Quinn) quietly put together a SQAUD! I’m the final piece that will swing all the odds in our favor (trophy emoji) #GOCOMMANDERS #RAISEHAIL.”

Does Aiyuk actually believe this? Does he think that by doing this he can pressure San Francisco into releasing him?

Aiyuk allegedly buying a home in Virginia and continuing to say he will eventually sign with the Commanders has some wondering if he will show up to Washington’s training camp. Obviously, Aiyuk showing up would not be to participate or play, as that couldn’t happen. But his showing up as a fan would certainly be an interesting development.

There’s no doubt that the Commanders would’ve been interested in Aiyuk months ago. However, his social media antics have seemingly given Washington pause. Several top NFL insiders, such as Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, both think the Commanders signing Aiyuk is unlikely if and when the 49ers release him.

Aiyuk could have likely already secured his release if he had applied for reinstatement and shown up to the 49ers’ training camp. He said he will not do business with them; therefore, San Francisco has no incentive to remove him from the reserve/retired list.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Brandon Aiyuk says he’s the ‘final piece’ for the Commanders