The 49ers have reshaped their receiver room this offseason, bringing in veterans and rookies alike. It is still expected that Brandon Aiyuk will never play for San Francisco again, but he is not on the verge of free agency.
Aiyuk did not play at all in 2025, and the 49ers’ decision to void guarantees in his contract paved the way for a potential trade. Suitors are naturally more interested in acquiring the former second-team All-Pro after the 49ers release him, whereas San Francisco would prefer a trade agreement. This situation may not end any time soon, something which was further illustrated on Saturday.
During NFL Network’s draft coverage, Ian Rapoport reported (video link) a release is still expected to eventually take place in this case. He added, to no surprise, the Commanders remain a team with “significant interest” in adding Aiyuk. Washington has previously been mentioned as a logical destination; Aiyuk and quarterback Jayden Daniels were once teammates at Arizona State. Adding a veteran receiver would help boost an offense which will again have Terry McLaurin in 2026 but is without Deebo Samuel (who is unsigned at this point).
When speaking reporters following the draft, 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner) the team’s plans do not include an Aiyuk release at this time. A trade is still San Francisco’s target. Conversations with interested teams have taken place previously, and they could pick up once more as the offseason progresses. Nevertheless, a holding pattern may be in place until a strong trade offer emerges or the September deadline approaches for the 49ers to proceed with a release before Aiyuk’s option bonus is paid out.
“We’re available. Give us a call,” Lynch said (via Wagoner’s colleague Adam Schefter) when speaking about Aiyuk on Saturday. “And like I said earlier, I think it’s the prudent thing to do. He’s an extremely talented player. He’s been an extremely effective player in our league; situation didn’t work itself out here. That’s not to say that it can’t be rekindled somewhere else. And we’d be happy to do something with anyone if the opportunity presented itself.”
It will be interesting to see if non-Commanders suitors emerge over the coming weeks with the 49ers still aiming to recoup draft capital via a trade. If not, Washington will remain a team to watch closely regarding an Aiyuk signing if/when he becomes a free agent.