Overview
- Explaining the latest turn, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Wednesday that Washington has interest but prefers to wait for a cut while the 49ers refuse to release Aiyuk and note he has no remaining guarantees after missed rehab.
- ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Monday that teams do not want to assume Aiyuk’s current deal and have struggled to reach him or discuss a new contract, which blocks the talks needed to make a trade work.
- San Francisco can wait until a $24.9 million option bonus comes due on September 1, and reporting points to May 27 as a possible pressure point if Aiyuk reports and forces a roster decision.
- The Athletic’s reporting, echoed by multiple outlets, says Washington will not part with draft picks and would look at a short, incentive-heavy deal only if he is released, which aligns with assessments that his trade value is a late-round pick.
- Aiyuk tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in October 2024 and later stopped team rehab, which led the 49ers to void his guarantees and has heightened medical and availability concerns for any team considering him.