Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers
Wide Receiver #11
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Brandon Aiyuk Believes he's the "Final Piece" to Bolster Commanders Offense

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is still technically a member of the San Francisco 49ers, but he remained absent over the weekend for the start of training camp, and the two sides are eventually expected to part ways. Aiyuk spent much of the summer criticizing general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and the organization on social media. Lynch said back in January that Aiyuk would likely never play for the team again, but the Niners haven't found a trade partner and haven't outright released the former first-rounder. Aiyuk has repeatedly said on social media that he plans to sign with the Washington Commanders, and that he's the "final piece" to unlocking their offense, according to Matt Barrows and Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Before all of Aiyuk's social-media comments, sources said that the Commanders likely would have considered a short-term, highly incentivized contract with him if he was released. But the more Aiyuk has posted on social media, "the more he has seemed to jeopardize his hopes of returning to an active NFL roster." According to sources, Aiyuk's behavior changed after he signed a four-year, $120 million deal in August of 2024, and then he played in seven games that season before tearing multiple ligaments in his knee. In addition to being in limbo heading into the 2026 season, it's unclear what kind of shape Aiyuk is in physically. All we know is that his fantasy value has hit rock bottom.

Jul 27, 2026 8:07 AM EST

Brandon Aiyuk Remains on Left-Squad List

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Saturday that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) remains on the left-squad list, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. "I'm personally, and we as an organization, are going to focus on the players who are here," Lynch said. "We wish him well, we wish his family well," Lynch said. The Niners have been saying for a while now that Aiyuk will not play for the organization again after the two sides publicly exchanged barbs while he rehabbed a serious knee injury from the 2024 season. The 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 from Arizona State didn't play at all last year, and his off-the-field antics have essentially scared potentially interested teams like the Washington Commanders away this offseason. After signing a four-year, $120 million deal in August of 2024, Aiyuk played in only seven games before tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee. At some point, the 49ers are expected to outright release Aiyuk, at which point his market could pick up going into the 2026 season.

Jul 25, 2026 11:00 AM EST

Brandon Aiyuk has Scared Teams Like Washington

ESPN's Adam Schefter "honestly believes" that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) "has scared off teams" like the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk hasn't helped his case for finding a new team if the 49ers inevitably release him with social-media posts blasting the 49ers organization. It sounds like teams are concerned about the former first-rounder and whether he realistically wants to continue playing in the NFL after a season-ending knee injury in 2024 kept him sidelined for all of last year. Aiyuk has been repeatedly mentioned as a good fit for the Commanders this offseason because of his connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels from their college days at Arizona State, but even with questionable depth behind Terry McLaurin, the Commanders may not want Aiyuk's baggage, not to mention questions about how he'll bounce back from his knee injury. Schefter says that things can change quickly in training camp and other teams could become interested in Aiyuk, but as of right now, there doesn't seem to be much of a market for the 28-year-old. The longer Aiyuk remains without a team for the 2026 season, the less likely it will be that he emerges as a fantasy football asset in 2026.

Jul 15, 2026 7:52 PM EST

Commanders No Longer Interested in Brandon Aiyuk?

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler "doesn't think" the Washington Commanders are looking at San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) "at this stage." Both Aiyuk and the 49ers have made it clear that he's played his last snap for that organization, but he's still currently under contract in the Bay Area. At this point, it's unlikely that San Fran is going to be able to find a taker on the trade market for the former first-rounder, so the most likely scenario is that he's cut during training camp this summer. At that point, the Commanders or another receiver-needy team might be more interested in taking on Aiyuk's baggage and recovery from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for all of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 with the Niners, but everything fell apart shortly after he signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the team in August of 2024. Aiyuk caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and zero touchdowns in seven games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. In addition to him still looking for a new team, Aiyuk's health is a big question mark going into the 2026 campaign. The days of Aiyuk being a reliable fantasy wideout could be long gone.

Jul 14, 2026 10:05 AM EST

Commanders Growing Wary of Potentially Adding Brandon Aiyuk?

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala suggests that the Washington Commanders might be shying away from considering adding veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) this offseason if the San Francisco 49ers end up releasing him. The Commanders were interested in Aiyuk enough earlier in the offseason to consider a one-year, highly-incentivized deal if and when the 49ers ever released him. The former first-rounder has clear ties to Washington, as he's close friends with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and general manager Adam Peters was part of San Fran's front office when it drafted Aiyuk in 2020. The Commanders were never going to trade for Aiyuk, but they have been intrigued by the proposition of pairing him with WR1 Terry McLaurin in 2026 and possibly beyond. But since then, Aiyuk has posted erratic Instagram rants that "have created worry about Aiyuk's frame of mind." The Commanders could still consider the 28-year-old before the start of training camp if the Niners release him, but they'd "have to feel incredibly confident that he's fit, physically and emotionally." That is now a big "if" given his recent history and the fallout with the 49ers. On top of that, Aiyuk didn't play at all in 2025 due to a season-ending knee injury in 2024. It goes without saying that Aiyuk will be a massive question mark wherever he's playing in 2026.

Jun 30, 2026 9:35 AM EST

Brandon Aiyuk Ready to Sign With Commanders?

In a video posted to Instagram, San Francisco 49ers disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) said that if the Niners release him, he will sign with the Washington Commanders "tomorrow," according to ESPN. Aiyuk, who didn't play at all in 2025 due to a knee injury suffered in 2024, is still under contract with the 49ers, so it's unclear if Washington is actually interested in signing the former first-round talent. San Fran has held onto Aiyuk in hopes of trading him this offseason, but general manager John Lynch said in January that it was "safe to say that Aiyuk has played his last snap with the Niners." The 49ers may be waiting for the start of training camp at the end of July to decide on Aiyuk's status. The Niners signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract extension in August of 2024, but he ended up playing in only seven games that year due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee. The Commanders have been a popular potential destination for Aiyuk to pair with WR1 Terry McLaurin after they have not re-signed Deebo Samuel Sr. in the offseason.

Jun 25, 2026 9:06 AM EST

Warrant Issued for Brandon Aiyuk's Arrest in California

A warrant has been issued for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's arrest in Northern California, according to Edward Lewis of The California Post. Aiyuk is wanted on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office. The matter stems from a video that the pass-catcher posted to his YouTube page in December. He reached speeds of over 100 mph on Santa Clara roadways, at one point hitting 104 mph as he went by Levi's Stadium. The 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 out of Arizona State had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Niners in 2022 and 2023 before signing a four-year, $120 million contract with the team in August of 2024. Aiyuk then only played in seven games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 campaign and is likely to be released by the organization this offseason. Most reports project Aiyuk to land with the Washington Commanders, where he would be reunited with quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, this new legal matter could complicate matters and open Aiyuk up to a suspension from the NFL to begin the 2026 season.

Jun 3, 2026 10:27 AM EST

Brandon Aiyuk Decision Could Come in Late May

It's been a surprise that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), who hasn't played since tearing his ACL in October of 2024, is still with the San Francisco 49ers, with April coming to an end this week. In January, general manager John Lynch said that it was "safe to say" that Aiyuk had played his last snap with the organization. Lynch later said an Aiyuk-related move would come before the new league year started on March 11. In late March, Lynch said he didn't have a date when asked when the 49ers might release Aiyuk, and he also added that "we're in no rush to do that." The 49ers were discussing a trade of Aiyuk in the lead-up to last week's NFL draft, but nothing came to fruition. Lynch seemed to indicate that if Aiyuk wasn't traded during the draft, they might finally release the former first-rounder. The Niners don't appear to be in any rush to do Aiyuk any favors after a lengthy contract dispute in 2024 before his season-ending knee injury that year. Aiyuk then stopped showing up for his rehab last year, at which point the team voided the remaining guarantees on his contract. The Athletic's Matt Barrows thinks the team's first organized team activity practice on May 27 might be an "unofficial marker" for Aiyuk's release. The 28-year-old former 25th overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, but he's coming off a major knee injury, which will make him a huge question mark in 2026 fantasy football leagues. The Commanders appear to be the likeliest landing spot for Aiyuk if he's eventually released, potentially linking up with former college teammate, QB Jayden Daniels.

Apr 29, 2026 12:44 PM EST

Commanders Interested in Brandon Aiyuk, Waiting for His Release

The Washington Commanders are expected to have interest in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk if he is released by the San Francisco 49ers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. There seems to be a bit of a stalemate at this point in the offseason. The Niners have said they are in no rush and would like to trade Aiyuk. However, they've also said that Aiyuk will not play for them in 2026, so at some point, if a trade doesn't come to fruition, he'll have to be released. As a result, the Commanders are in no rush because they expect him to become a free agent before the regular season. Therefore, while Aiyuk to the Commanders is not imminent, it does seem like Washington is the early favorite to acquire him. He'd offer an enormous boost to their wide receiver room, which is relatively thin behind Terry McLaurin. Aiyuk hasn't played an NFL snap since 2024, when he tore his ACL seven games into a 25-catch, 374-yard campaign.

Apr 26, 2026 8:26 AM EST

49ers Still Trying to Trade Brandon Aiyuk

The San Francisco 49ers are still "hoping and trying" to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. There had been plenty of speculation that Aiyuk would be released before the draft, and when that didn't happen, questions started arising about his future with the organization. Then, the 49ers selected Mississippi wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick, and that all but confirmed Aiyuk remains a non-factor in the team's future plans. At this point, it remains unclear how long the 49ers will wait to find a trade partner. Presumably, they would want this entire Aiyuk saga to be resolved sooner rather than later, and potential trade partners would also like to get a deal done so that they can know what their roster will look like next season. The end of the draft could be a turning point in negotiations, so we wouldn't be surprised to see Aiyuk dealt in the next week or so. He hasn't played an NFL snap since 2024, when he tore his ACL seven games into a 25-catch, 374-yard campaign.

Apr 25, 2026 7:14 AM EST

49ers Talking Trade Regarding Brandon Aiyuk With Draft Looming

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said at his pre-draft press conference on Monday that he doesn't think there's a "high probability" that the team will trade disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) during the 2026 NFL draft this weekend, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. However, Lynch said there's still a chance Aiyuk is traded, and the team has had talks with specific teams about a potential trade. The Niners are trying to see if they can get anything for the 28-year-old former first-rounder out of Arizona State. If they don't find a trade to their liking, they are expected to release Aiyuk, who missed all of the 2025 season due to a serious knee injury that he suffered early on in 2024. The Washington Commanders are a popular projected landing spot, as it would give him a chance to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, whom he played with in college. Given Aiyuk's uncertain destination in 2026 while coming off a major knee injury, he's a true wild card that will be cheap for fantasy managers in drafts later this year.

Apr 20, 2026 7:26 PM EST

Nothing Imminent With Brandon Aiyuk

The San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) won't be back with the team in 2026, but they are in no rush to get rid of him, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur. If an NFL team is interested in Aiyuk's services and wants him in their building this spring to learn their offense, they can trade for him, but there's no reason for the Niners to do any other team a favor by handing Aiyuk over now for a draft pick. They may release him after the NFL draft at the end of April if they can't find a trade suitor by then, but they can also wait longer if they want to, as the 49ers don't owe Aiyuk anything until his option bonus is due on Sept. 1. The Washington Commanders seem like the logical destination because of general manager Adam Peters' familiarity with Aiyuk from his time in the Bay Area. Aiyuk was also teammates with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State. The 28-year-old former first-rounder had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, but he played in only seven games in 2024 before tearing his ACL, and he didn't play at all last year. There are questions about Aiyuk's motivation, making him a very risky option for NFL teams and fantasy managers going forward.

Apr 5, 2026 8:16 AM EST

49ers to Keep Brandon Aiyuk Around?

It has felt inevitable for a while that the San Francisco 49ers would trade or release disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) this offseason. However, owner Jed York said at the owners' meetings on Monday that he would "like to see him play for us," when referring to Aiyuk. The 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 out of Arizona State had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 and 15 total touchdowns before signing a four-year, $120 million contract with the Niners in August of 2024. Aiyuk played in only seven games that year before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. He did not play at all in 2025 and reportedly stopped showing up to the team's facilities for his rehab, which led to the 49ers voiding the guaranteed money left on his deal last year. It's still more likely that Aiyuk won't be playing in the Bay Area in 2026, and he'll be a huge question mark for fantasy managers after such a long layoff.

Mar 30, 2026 7:08 PM EST

49ers in No Rush on Brandon Aiyuk Situation

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the team is hoping that they can get something in return for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Shanahan is unsure when a potential trade might take place, and he also said, "I know we're in no rush to do that." The 49ers are still holding out hope of trading the disgruntled and injured former first-rounder. Once they've exhausted all those avenues, they are eventually expected to release him after signing him to a four-year, $120 million contract in August of 2024. Aiyuk played in only seven games that year, catching 25 of his 47 targets for 374 yards and no touchdowns before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. The 28-year-old out of Arizona State didn't play at all in 2025. The Niners are expected to eventually release him with a post-June 1 designation, and the Commanders have been the most rumored landing spot for Aiyuk if/when he's released. Aiyuk had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in the Bay Area before his injury in 2024, making him a high-risk, high-reward player going into 2026 fantasy drafts.

Mar 30, 2026 8:08 AM EST

Brandon Aiyuk a Buy-Low in Dynasty Leagues?

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area is likely over, but he could still be a low-cost target in dynasty leagues as he embarks on the next chapter of his career. All signs point to the 49ers designating Aiyuk as a post-June 1 release, putting an end to all the turmoil and drama that marred his first six years in the NFL. The 28-year-old played seven games in 2024 and zero in 2025, due to injury and personal issues with the organization. Hitting free agency will allow Aiyuk to have a fresh start, and he could perhaps return to his pre-2024 form. He was a top-15 fantasy receiver (PPR) in both 2022 and 2023, totaling more than 2,350 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns across those two years. The Arizona State product has shown that he has the talent to produce significant fantasy value, but now, he just needs to stay healthy and on good terms with his future team. Aiyuk's eventual landing spot remains unknown, but it's worth noting that he has been heavily linked to the Washington Commanders. He was teammates with quarterback Jayden Daniels in college, and Commanders general manager Adam Peters was part of the 49ers front office that drafted Aiyuk back in 2020.

Mar 28, 2026 8:34 AM EST

49ers Plan to Release Brandon Aiyuk

With the new league year starting on Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers plan to release wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. If the move to release Aiyuk doesn't come on Wednesday, it should be soon. The Washington Commanders are the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, most likely on a one-year, prove-it deal. The Niners are expected to use a post-June 1 designation on Aiyuk's release, which is why they had to wait until the start of the new league year. The former first-rounder will leave behind $13.325 million in dead-cap money in 2026 and $21.247 million in 2027, with the 49ers getting a credit of $4.987 million towards next year's salary cap. Aiyuk didn't make it far after signing a four-year, $120 million contract with San Fran in August of 2024, as he played in only seven games that year before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He didn't play at all in 2025 and will be a big unknown in fantasy football in Washington or wherever he ends up.

Mar 11, 2026 8:38 AM EST

Commanders Could Go After Brandon Aiyuk

The Washington Commanders could opt to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), who is expected to be cut by the San Francisco 49ers, according to John Keim of ESPN. Aiyuk is close friends with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and has said he wants to play with him. If the Commanders were to take a chance on Aiyuk, who didn't play at all in 2025, it would be "for a one-year prove-it deal," and they'd still likely go after another receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin. It doesn't sound like the Commanders plan to attempt to bring Deebo Samuel Sr. back. Other options that Washington could pursue are Jauan Jennings, Romeo Doubs, Alec Pierce, and Rashid Shaheed. Aiyuk, a former first-rounder in 2020, wore out his welcome in the Bay Area and will have to prove his health and fit with a new organization before most fantasy managers will take a look at him again. He did have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Niners before his season-ending knee injury in 2024, though.

Mar 5, 2026 4:26 PM EST

"Nothing Will Happen" With Brandon Aiyuk Until New League Year

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine that "nothing will happen until the new league year" when discussing parting ways with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. We already know that Aiyuk won't be playing for the Niners in 2026, but he won't be officially released until the start of the new league year next month. The 27-year-old former first-rounder signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the team in August of 2024 and then played in only seven games that year, catching 25 of 47 targets for 374 yards and no touchdowns. Aiyuk didn't play at all in 2025 due to his knee injury and wasn't going to return to the Bay Area after the team voided guarantees in his contract. He'll certainly attract attention on the open market, but fantasy managers will be wary after all the missed time.

Feb 25, 2026 5:14 AM EST

Brandon Aiyuk has "Played his Last Snap as a Niner"

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that "it's safe to say" that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), who missed the entire 2025 season, has "played his last snap as a Niner," according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The 27-year-old has been trying to get the 49ers to release him for a while, and it was essentially a done deal when the team voided guarantees in his contract. An official transaction releasing Aiyuk will probably come in the weeks following the Super Bowl. The former 25th overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 before signing an extension with the team before the 2024 campaign. Aiyuk wasn't living up to expectations that year before tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 7. In addition to concerns about whether he can return to his pre-injury form, Aiyuk's fantasy value going forward will depend largely on where he ends up.

Jan 21, 2026 3:30 PM EST

Brandon Aiyuk "Extremely Distant" from the 49ers Since Suffering Injury

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) has been "extremely distant" from the team since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The 27-year-old has not played a game since that point. The 49ers voided guarantees in his contract for 2026 and placed him on the reserve/left squad list on Saturday, officially ending his 2025 season. All signs seem to indicate that Aiyuk and the 49ers are likely to go their separate ways this offseason. In his last fully healthy season in 2023, Aiyuk recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets. He has a chance to get back to his superstar heights if he can get fully healthy and find the right team. However, his health and the way his current situation in San Francisco has unfolded may bring about question marks for dynasty league fantasy managers.

Dec 18, 2025 4:18 PM EST