With Brandon Aiyuk having been moved to the reserve/left squad list, it is highly likely he has played his final game as a 49er. The veteran wideout’s future will presumably not include time spent in San Francisco in 2026, but it remains to be seen where his next NFL gig will come from. 
A trade could of course be worked out in this case. Since the 49ers voided future guarantees in Aiyuk’s contract, the pact should be much easier to absorb than it otherwise would have been. Still, interested teams would much prefer to add Aiyuk as a free agent rather than parting with draft capital to acquire a player known to be on the way out. To no surprise, then, Matt Barrows of The Athletic predicts (subscription required) the 49ers will proceed with a release this spring.
Per Barrows, Aiyuk is still held in high regard by his teammates despite the way things have unfolded in his case. That puts the 27-year-old in a different situation than someone like De’Vondre Campbell, whose standing with the team unraveled when he refused to re-enter a game in Week 15 last season. Nevertheless, Aiyuk’s relationship with the organization has been the subject of speculation dating back to contentions extension talks in 2024. Provided he is released, it will be interesting to see how many suitors pursue Aiyuk coming off a full season spent on the sidelines.
It was reported last week the Commanders are among the teams which can be expected to show interest on that front. A reunion between Aiyuk and former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels would certainly not come as a surprise. Indeed, Barrows points to Washington as one of the likeliest landing spots for Aiyuk. He adds Pittsburgh as a team to watch regarding an Aiyuk deal.
The Steelers were long mentioned as a contender to acquire the former second-team All-Pro prior to his extension being signed. Pittsburgh and San Francisco engaged in trade talks to the point where an agreement was reached between the teams. Aiyuk himself ended the possibility of a Steelers swap by informing the 49ers of his desire to stay. His four-year, $120MM extension was finalized immediately thereafter. Pittsburgh has since acquired and extended D.K. Metcalf, but otherwise the WR position remains a question mark for the team.
Aiyuk has only made seven appearances since signing that pact. His knee injury (which included ACL, MCL and meniscus tears) has resulted in an absence which stretched through the second half of last season and all of the current campaign. A return to action in time for 2026 should be expected, but a short list of serious suitors could emerge if/when he hits the open market.
Steelers finally have had a drama free season. I don’t know if they want to go after Aiyuk.
I could see them taking a WR in the first 2 rounds and add a veteran at half the cost of Aiyuk.
One of the first 2 rounds, not both
It would be a mistake for anyone to part with draft capital for a high priced, somewhat injured, poorly motivated receiver.
There are great receivers and running backs available in the NFL draft in rounds one and two every year. They come in on rookie contracts.
Successful teams don’t seem to be able to economise enough on QB’s and edge rushers. They can’t economise on OL through rookie contracts (great offensive linemen hit their stride in season three or four and get better through season six).
Wide receiver and running back are the expensive positions where rookie contracts really benefit the team and players on rookie contracts are enough.
Perhaps a team can afford one high priced WR or RB but that’s about it. To leave enough salary cap for the OL, QB and defense, the rest has to come from draft contract talent or journeymen.
Steelers won’t have an expensive QB but Metcalf and Aiyuk would be one expensive WR room