Overview
- On Saturday, Brandon Aiyuk posted on Instagram accusing the NFL Players Association of threatening to "start a smear campaign" aimed at damaging his NIL after he declined to appeal voided guarantees.
- The 49ers voided roughly $27 million in Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees and placed him on the reserve/left-squad list, which preserves the team’s contractual rights while stopping his pay.
- Teams say interest has evaporated because Aiyuk has not provided current medical access after his 2024 ACL/MCL/meniscus injury and because his public attacks raise behavioral concerns.
- The Washington Commanders expressed conditional, limited interest earlier this offseason and would only consider signing him if the 49ers release him and Washington is satisfied he is physically and emotionally fit.
- Procedural obstacles include Aiyuk’s refusal to seek reinstatement, questions about his former agent’s ties to the 49ers, and the NFLPA’s role, leaving likely near-term outcomes as roster stasis, a reinstatement-and-prove-it path, or a low-risk incentive deal if he is released.