Brandon Aiyuk trade or release uncertainty continues with 49ers

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s future in the NFL remains uncertain as his prolonged standoff with the San Francisco 49ers continues. The 28-year-old, who has not played a game since October 2024, is widely expected to be moved before the 2026 season, though the mechanism—a trade or his release—is still undetermined.

General manager John Lynch has stated it is safe to say Aiyuk has played his last snap for the franchise. The relationship deteriorated after Aiyuk suffered ACL and MCL injuries early in the 2024 season. During his rehabilitation, he reportedly missed team-mandated appointments and meetings, leading the 49ers to void approximately $26 million in guaranteed money from his contract. The team eventually placed him on the reserve/left squad list, ending his 2025 season.

Aiyuk has since cut off communication with the 49ers and, according to reports, has been difficult for other teams to contact. This lack of dialogue has complicated San Francisco’s efforts to trade him. Lynch has expressed a desire to recoup draft capital in a deal, but several analysts believe teams are more likely to wait for his release, given the 49ers’ diminished leverage and Aiyuk’s significant...