Receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues his campaign to cross the country from San Francisco to Washington.
In his latest Instagram story, Aiyuk posted a video in which he's dancing behind a graphic that says he'll "be a Commander soon."
For that to happen, he first needs to be released by the 49ers. They can, if they choose, release him from the reserve/left squad list. Otherwise, Aiyuk must petition the league office for reinstatement. If/when reinstated, Aiyuk needs to show up for training camp.
At that point, the 49ers likely would terminate his contract, in order to avoid the possibility of Aiyuk suffering while on the premises a season-ending injury. That would put the 49ers on the hook for more than $26 million in 2026 compensation.
There's been no indication that Aiyuk has petitioned the league for reinstatement. He needs to do that soon, in order to set the stage for the 49ers to give him the freedom he presumes he will soon be getting.