​Jay Gruden, the former Washington Redskins head coach (2014-2019), appeared on Team 980’s The Kevin Sheehan Show on Tuesday. Known for his blunt honesty and quick humor, Gruden isn’t afraid to speak his mind, especially about the Commanders. The central topic of discussion was whether Washington should pursue San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk should the 49ers move on from him.
Gruden suggested that Aiyuk needs to clean up his act and report to the 49ers, hoping they release him so he becomes available. He warned that if Aiyuk doesn’t straighten up, he may not play anywhere. Gruden believed the Commanders would prefer Aiyuk to stay quiet, noting that the 49ers now have a target the team desires, making the potential fit with Washington appealing. He described Aiyuk as a second-team Pro Bowl-type player and argued that he could be a perfect complement to Terry McLaurin if Washington isn’t getting enough separation from their current receivers.
Gruden acknowledged that the decision would hinge on whether the Commanders are satisfied with their receiving group; if not, they might pursue Aiyuk because of his athleticism, size, and speed. He noted that Aiyuk’s past would be a factor, suggesting that a quarterback like Jayden Daniels or someone who can manage him could influence how well Aiyuk would fit. However, he warned that if Aiyuk isn’t getting targets, he could revert to old habits, such as criticizing the team publicly, which would be detrimental.
Gruden emphasized the need for a versatile receiving corps, expressing concern that Washington has too many slot receivers and lacks a true outside, physical presence. He pointed out the presence of Lane, McLaurin, and the recently drafted Williams, arguing that Washington would benefit from adding an outside threat to diversify their rotation. This commentary originally appeared on Commanders Wire.