Overview
- Multiple league insiders say the 49ers plan to cut Aiyuk before training camp in late July, ending a months‑long stand‑off that the team preferred to resolve by finding a trade partner.
- San Francisco voided about $26–$27 million in future guarantees after Aiyuk missed team‑supervised rehab and was placed on the reserve/left‑squad list, a step that stopped pay while keeping roster control.
- Aiyuk has not played since Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus, meaning teams would demand current medical exams and recent on‑field work before offering a significant deal.
- His deleted anti‑49ers posts, a cryptic recent Instagram dance clip, and off‑field incidents have prompted former players and analysts to warn that his public behavior has reduced his trade and free‑agent market.
- The Washington Commanders are widely viewed as the likeliest suitor because of ties to Jayden Daniels and ex‑49ers executive Adam Peters, but sources say the list of teams willing to sign him will be short and cautious.