The 49ers have reshaped their receiver room this offseason, bringing in veterans and rookies alike. It remains to be expected that Brandon Aiyuk won’t ever play for San Francisco again, but he will not be on the verge of free agency.
Aiyuk didn’t play in any respect in 2025, and the 49ers’ decision to void guarantees in his contract paved the best way for a possible trade. Suitors are naturally more concerned with acquiring the previous second-team All-Pro after the 49ers release him, whereas San Francisco would like a trade agreement. This example 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 remains to be expected to eventually happen on 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 can again have Terry McLaurin in 2026 but is without Deebo Samuel (who’s 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 don’t include an Aiyuk release presently. A trade remains to be San Francisco’s goal. Conversations with interested teams have taken place previously, and so they could pick up over again because the offseason progresses. Nevertheless, a holding pattern could also be in place until a powerful 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 feel it’s the prudent thing to do. He’s a particularly talented player. He’s been a particularly effective player in our league; situation didn’t work itself out here. That’s to not say that it could’t be rekindled elsewhere. And we’d be blissful to do something with anyone if the chance presented itself.”
It would be interesting to see if non-Commanders suitors emerge over the approaching weeks with the 49ers still aiming to recoup draft capital via a trade. If not, Washington will remain a team to observe closely regarding an Aiyuk signing if/when he becomes a free agent.