The San Francisco 49ers appear headed for a split with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Whether that separation comes via trade or release remains unclear, but one thing seems certain: Aiyuk's time in red and gold is likely over.
"I think it's safe to say that he's played his last snap with the Niners," general manager John Lynch said last month. "It's unfortunate—a situation that just went awry."
After suffering ACL and MCL injuries, Aiyuk was expected to work his way back into the fold. Instead, communication between the wideout and the organization broke down entirely, further straining an already fragile relationship.
Now the 49ers face a critical decision: Can they find a trade partner, or will they ultimately release the former first-round pick?
Is there any trade market for Aiyuk?
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area recently joined radio station KNBR to discuss Aiyuk's uncertain future in Santa Clara, and what the 49ers' next steps might be.
"I would think, at some point, he will be released," Maiocco said. "I can't imagine any team would trade for him. I don't even know, at this point, we haven't heard from Brandon, so we don't know if he wants to continue playing football. That's where this is, as far as the unanswered questions."
From the 49ers' perspective, Maiocco added, the organization has taken formal steps to protect itself contractually.
"So, from the 49ers' standpoint, I can assure you that they have gone through the NFL Management Council and everything else, as far as just making sure that it's all up to code," Maiocco said.
That due diligence could prove significant. After signing Aiyuk to a long-term extension, San Francisco may have options to recoup additional money beyond voided guarantees because the receiver failed to fulfill contractual obligations. Any potential financial recovery would give the 49ers a little more salary-cap flexibility in the future.
Release more likely than trade
Maiocco made it clear he sees virtually no trade market for Aiyuk.
"I don't, no, because I think that any team that wants him, the 49ers would have to be open and honest about what they dealt with," Maiocco said. "And Brandon—yeah, I just don't see it. Every year, there are plenty of good players available in free agency, there's plenty of good players available in the draft, and I just don't know, at this point, that anybody really knows what they'd be getting with Brandon Aiyuk."
Between the serious knee injury and concerns about willingness to be a team player, organizations may hesitate to surrender draft capital for the receiver. Maiocco even questioned whether Aiyuk will suit up anywhere next season.
"There's a part of me that would be pleasantly surprised, but surprised if we even see him in the NFL, playing in a regular-season game next season," Maiocco said. "I just don't know, and I don't think anybody really knows where he is, as far as what he views as his next step professionally."