The San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk almost certainly won’t be a partnership ever again.

Except for the fact that the ‘Niners haven’t yet released Aiyuk, which could impact the offseason plans of other teams, including the Washington Commanders.

Because Aiyuk’s contract is basically out of guaranteed money, the 49ers don’t have to rush on an official release.

They’d likely do that in part to pursue a potential value returned in a trade, although it’s not clear another team would go for that at this point.

It’s notable, though, because ESPN’s Adam Schefter had this to say on NFL Live on Wednesday:

“I know it says they are planning to release him, but I would like to add on that they’re not planning to release him anytime soon.”

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That suggests this long, drawn-out drama could get just a little longer and more drawn out before all is said and done.

Aiyuk, of course, is coming off a bizarre 2025 season in which he was set to miss time with injury and ended up not playing a single snap due to disputes around his health and contract.

Aiyuk will turn 28 on March 17. He’s a former first-round pick. 

He had 1,000-yard seasons in both 2022 and 2023 before his injury midway through the 2024 season sent him down this path.

ESPN’s Nick Waggoner has already reported that the Commanders seem to be the logical destination. 

“With the new league year set to begin today, the #49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk,” Waggoner wrote on X on Wednesday. “Could happen as soon as today, but certainly soon. Washington is the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, probably on a one-year prove it deal. SF is expected to use post June 1 designation, which is why they had to wait until new league year begins.”

When that may come to pass, though? Stay tuned, because it might be a while.

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