Overview
- League sources say San Francisco has largely abandoned hopes of trading Aiyuk and now expects to release him in early July 2026.
- Aiyuk remains on the 49ers’ reserve/left‑squad list and the team voided his remaining guarantees, with reporting estimating possible recoupment of roughly $13.8 million to $18.4 million.
- The receiver has posted repeated social‑media videos touting a move to the Washington Commanders and accusing the 49ers of withholding pay, behavior that executives say has worsened his market.
- NFL teams have told reporters they will not take on Aiyuk’s contract without current medical examinations, on‑field proof of fitness and clear behavioral assurances, and Washington’s interest is reported to be conditional and limited to a low‑risk, incentive‑heavy one‑year deal.
- Aiyuk must apply for reinstatement, provide up‑to‑date medical clearance and resolve off‑field matters before meaningful offers arrive, and his 2024 knee injuries plus the public standoff now make a prove‑it or minimum contract the most likely outcomes.