The NFL offseason is shifting toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams stayed busy last week, making a wave of free agency signings and trades.
The San Francisco 49ers joined the action and even signed a future Hall of Fame wide receiver to a deal. Still, one situation remains murky.
The 49ers were expected to release troubled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk at the start of the new league year last Wednesday. That move never happened.
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Instead, Aiyuk remains on the roster — though currently on the Reserve/Left Squad list.
Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
With the 49ers seemingly signing his replacement and the expected move long overdue, why hasn’t the team released Aiyuk?
This situation has been building for a long time. As far back as 2024, Aiyuk wanted out of San Francisco. He requested a trade, the 49ers nearly sent him elsewhere, and he ultimately chose to stay after signing a last-second contract extension.
Tensions resurfaced last season as Aiyuk worked his way back from the ACL injury he suffered in 2024. He eventually left the team, all but signaling the end of his time in San Francisco.
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Now, reports suggest the 49ers hope to salvage some trade compensation and therefore feel no urgency to release him. That approach makes little sense.
Oct 10, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) catches the ball during warmups before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
No team will feel desperate enough to take on Aiyuk’s contract under these circumstances. The 49ers should accept the loss and move on. The decision seems obvious.
If general manager John Lynch believes another team will absorb Aiyuk’s contract, risk a potential holdout, and still send draft compensation in return, he’s mistaken.
It’s time for the 49ers to bite the bullet and do what they should have done in 2024: move on. This time, they need to release him.
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