Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk have a relationship dating back to when both played for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Aiyuk has been sidelined since the 2024 NFL season due to a severe right knee injury, and he is burning bridges left and right recently, including taking shots at Daniels. Now, Daniels clapped back at Aiyuk, hinting that his NFL career is over.
Jayden Daniels Claps Back at Brandon Aiyuk Amid Beef
On Sunday, Daniels posted on Instagram post, “Enjoy retirement pal.”
49ers writer Grant Cohn reacted to the post with the caption, “If they’re trolling, they’re really committing to the bit.”
If they’re trolling, they’re really committing to the bit. pic.twitter.com/fHRGamt34z
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) July 5, 2026
The now-deleted post is catching a lot of attention because it’s the latest in a viral feud between Daniels and Aiyuk as tensions rise. Aiyuk recently called out the Commanders QB for laughing while a fan yelled “[expletive] Brandon Aiyuk” in front of him. The two exchanged posts and unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Aiyuk has been sidelined since 2024, when he tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee. He’s also been ripping the 49ers’ organization recently and made it clear he wants to be released. Previously, he was trying to force his way to the Commanders, but now it seems that ship has sailed.
Aiyuk’s health and recent antics might scare away NFL teams, which is why Daniels is hinting that he may have played his final game.
Aiyuk has hinted on Instagram that he still wants to play Daniels, but that feeling doesn’t appear to be mutual.
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Daniels has not been immune to injuries and having to miss games either. During the 2025 NFL season, Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in a game against the Seattle Seahawks. He also dealt with left knee issues and right wrist sprain.
Daniels played 17 games in his rookie season back in 2024, putting up 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdown passes, and 9 interceptions. Last season, though, Daniels was just available for 7 games for the Commanders. He threw for 8 touchdown passes, 3 interceptions, and 1,262 passing yards in 2025.
According to PFN’s NFL QB Impact metrics, which are measured through the regular season, Daniels finished with a 72.3 QB grade. Marcus Mariota took over the Commanders’ offense at quarterback when Daniels was unavailable.
Aiyuk was a first-round pick out of Arizona State by the 49ers back in the 2020 NFL Draft. In the 2024 season, Aiyuk totaled 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns. Throughout his five-season career, all with San Francisco, he has amassed 294 catches for 4,305 receiving yards and 27 touchdown catches.
With the 2026 NFL season just around the corner, it’ll be interesting to see if Daniels and Aiyuk can clear the air or if this is the end of their friendship.