Did Dan Quinn Shut Down Brandon Aiyuk, Commanders Links Due to Social Media Use?

Disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been no stranger to social media or suggesting he will eventually be on the Washington Commanders this offseason, but one of those practices may be impacting the other.

After all, Washington head coach Dan Quinn told reporters Tuesday that social media use is "not usually a huge part" of the team's evaluation of free agents before adding "usually" with a smile.

While it may not be difficult to read between the lines, it should be noted Quinn did not specifically mention Aiyuk.

Quinn's comments come after Aiyuk told The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Nicki Jhabvala the Commanders "quietly put together a SQAUD!" of which he is "the final peice that will swing all the odds in our favor."

However, that same report echoed the idea that the wide receiver, who is still technically part of the San Francisco 49ers, has hurt his overall outlook because of his social-media usage.

"But the more Aiyuk has posted on social media, the more he has seemed to jeopardize his hopes of returning to an active NFL roster—including Washington's," Barrows and Jhabvala wrote.

In June, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Aiyuk was "lighting money on fire" through the social-media posts:

One of the most notable ones came when he criticized franchise quarterback and former college teammate Jayden Daniels, which drew a response from the signal-caller:

But he also has made no secret he plans on joining the Commanders and even claimed he purchased a home near the team's headquarters:

Despite the wide receiver's apparent desires to play with Washington, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on the Pat McAfee Show that talks between him and the team are "off the track," (5:55 mark).

"That doesn't mean it can't get back on the track, but I think there are people who wonder whether or not he wants to play."

As for the 49ers, general manager John Lynch avoided providing further details on the situation but confirmed Aiyuk is on the left squad:

Aiyuk has publicly ripped the 49ers a number of times as part of an ugly situation that saw the team void his remaining guaranteed money and Lynch say he has played his last snap with San Francisco.

Quinn didn't seem like a coach eager to embrace some concerning social-media habits either, and it remains to be seen if Aiyuk will even play this season as the ongoing saga continues.