San Francisco 49ers Expected to Release Brandon Aiyuk Before Training Camp

The San Francisco 49ers, after a protracted and personal battle with receiver Brandon Aiyuk, are finally prepared to move on from him, according to multiple league sources.

Aiyuk recently aimed the only franchise he has ever known on social media, and the situation between him and team officials has been festering since prior to last season, when they were at odds about his injury rehab in the aftermath of a massive contract extension.

It’s been widely known throughout the league for quite some time that Aiyuk had no future with the 49ers, and any attempts to land anything for him have been undermined by his off-field behaviour, including filming himself driving erratically and going well over the speed limit. 

There are certainly concerns about his demeanour and health at this point, and Aiyuk’s next time will not be making any long-term commitment to him, with every expectation he will soon be a free agent.

Damaged goods?

“I think they’re finally done with him,” said one long-time NFL executive who added that his team will not be expressing interest in the receiver when he is let go. 

When asked about signing him to a veteran-minimum deal, he said: “We don’t need that here.”

It’s been widely assumed that a coaching staff or front office with prior ties to Aiyuk, who has seen him at his best, would be the ones to land him. 

Originally, the thought was via a low-level trade. 

Aiyuk, 28, had a monster 2023 season, when he helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl and secured his new deal, but has played just seven games since then.

The 49ers cancelled their recent mandatory mini camp, which would have brought the situation to a head, but there is every expectation now that he will be released before the start of training camp. 

Perhaps the Commanders, whose general manager, Adam Peters, was with the 49ers when they drafted Aiyuk, would be among those to bring him in.

It will not be a long list of suitors at this point.