The San Francisco 49ers plan to release former star wide receiver Aiyuk in the coming weeks, ending a bitter standoff, according to reports.
The San Francisco 49ers are ready to move on from Brandon Aiyuk. The team plans to release the disgruntled wide receiver, NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported, citing multiple league sources. The 49ers want the situation resolved before training camp opens in late July, and given Aiyuk's limited trade market, the former All-Pro's release is the most likely end to the multi-year saga.
The move would cap a protracted and increasingly personal standoff between Aiyuk and the team that drafted him 25th overall in 2020. San Francisco is not expected to recoup anything of value for the veteran receiver, who now appears headed for free agency.
The rift dates back to 2024, when Aiyuk demanded a trade, sat out the offseason program, and staged a training camp "hold-in" before signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension on Aug. 29. Less than two months of subpar play later, he tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee on Oct. 20, 2024, ending his season.
The relationship deteriorated further during the wide receiver's 2025 recovery. He stopped showing up for rehab, the 49ers voided guaranteed money in his contract, and he later cut off contact with the team.
Aiyuk opened the 2025 season on the physically unable to perform list and never played, with San Francisco placing him on the reserve/left squad list on Dec. 13, 2025. The first-round pick played just seven games since his standout 2023 season, when he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earned second-team All-Pro honors and helped the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII.
Earlier this year, general manager John Lynch publicly stated that Aiyuk has "played his last snap with the Niners." Aiyuk has aired his frustrations publicly as well, posting a series of videos in recent weeks, which he later deleted from social media platforms.
The 49ers canceled their mandatory minicamp this month, the one offseason session players are required to attend. Head coach Kyle Shanahan cited strong attendance at the team's voluntary workouts, which Aiyuk skipped entirely.
Aiyuk's standing around the league has been further undercut by his conduct off the field. Last December, he posted a video of himself driving more than 100 mph near Levi's Stadium, footage that drew a police investigation and, months later, a misdemeanor arrest warrant from the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.
The Washington Commanders loom as a possible destination. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who played with Aiyuk at Arizona State in 2019, has publicly floated a reunion, and general manager Adam Peters worked in the 49ers' front office when they drafted Aiyuk.
"I think they're finally done with him," one longtime NFL executive told La Canfora, adding that his team would pass on Aiyuk even at the veteran minimum: "We don't need that here."
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You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at On SI, FanSided, Niner Noise, LockedonSports, Insidethe49, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
All articles by Chris Wilson
Chris Wilson
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at On SI, FanSided, Niner Noise, LockedonSports, Insidethe49, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
All articles by Chris Wilson
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