Overview
- Multiple NFL executives told Adam Schefter on Wednesday that Brandon Aiyuk has not applied for NFL reinstatement and remains on the 49ers’ reserve/did-not-report list, so the 49ers keep control of his rights.
- The 49ers voided Aiyuk’s remaining guarantees after he stopped team-directed rehab, which preserves the club’s financial leverage if he is released or traded.
- Aiyuk’s repeated social-media attacks, including a public back-and-forth with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, have reportedly alarmed front offices and cooled Washington’s previously expected interest.
- Teams say they will require up-to-date medical exams and on-field proof of fitness because Aiyuk missed the 2025 season following a 2024 knee injury, meaning any offer would likely be short term and incentive heavy.
- If Aiyuk wants to play elsewhere he must seek NFL reinstatement, submit to medical clearance, and convince clubs he will be a stable locker-room presence; otherwise veterans such as Stefon Diggs are becoming more likely targets for needy teams.