Overview
- San Francisco has signaled Aiyuk is done with the team and is holding his contract to seek even minimal draft compensation instead of releasing him.
- The holdup centers on a Sept. 1 option bonus worth $24.935 million that forces any buyer to either spread cap charges into future years or pay more than $26 million in 2026 cash.
- His 2024 ACL, MCL and meniscus injury and a season away from the field further cool interest, even as Washington is widely viewed as his likeliest landing spot.
- Reporting indicates Commanders GM Adam Peters prefers to wait rather than trade, which would let Washington pursue Aiyuk on new terms if he becomes available later.
- A 49ers beat reporter raised unproven suspicions that Washington is angling for Aiyuk through his friendship with QB Jayden Daniels, a notion that has annoyed San Francisco but has not triggered league action.