Overview
- Training camp opened this week and the 49ers are conducting practices without Aiyuk while general manager John Lynch says the team will focus on players who reported.
- Aiyuk has publicly campaigned to join the Washington Commanders, including a July text calling himself the “final piece,” and has posted about buying a home near Washington.
- Under NFL procedure nothing compels the 49ers to act until Aiyuk files for reinstatement, the league grants it, and he shows up for work, at which point the team must either let him practice or cut him.
- League insiders say the trade market has collapsed because teams want current medical exams, on-field proof of his knee recovery and behavioral assurances after Aiyuk’s social‑media attacks.
- The standoff leaves Aiyuk’s career and the 49ers’ cap picture in flux because cutting him would create large dead‑cap charges and any signing by another club would likely be low risk and low pay.