Brandon Aiyuk's time with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be nearing its end, with both sides expected to part ways in the coming weeks following a deteriorated relationship between the wide receiver and the organization.
Aiyuk suffered ACL and MCL injuries in 2024. While there was hope he could return at some point during the 2025 season, that never materialized. Instead, Aiyuk cut off communication with the 49ers, ultimately forcing the team to place him on the reserve/left squad list.
While at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week, general manager John Lynch told reporters that a move involving Aiyuk is expected after the start of the new league year on March 11. While a release appears to be the most likely outcome, Lynch acknowledged the possibility of a trade if another team expresses interest.
"Who knows?" Lynch said. "Maybe someone this week will have some interest."
However, ESPN insider Adam Schefter believes a release remains the most probable scenario.
"He'll be released on the first day of the league year, I would think," Schefter said on the Pardon My Take podcast, via Mike Masala of Niners Wire. "Here's the thing. They had so many trade conversations with so many teams, and I think that they've probably gone back to many of those teams, but the math is different, the situation is different, the way he behaved this year with some of the social media stuff is different. Everything is different."
Aiyuk's injury recovery and off-field situation may complicate any potential trade. Teams will likely want medical clarity and reassurance about his readiness before committing.
"I think teams are curious, and before they would do anything, they want to have to check out his knee," Schefter continued, "because that was his own devastating knee injury, and they wanted to see where he's at mentally before they would move on. There are a lot of questions there, but we know he's not going to be in San Francisco."
If released, Aiyuk would become a free agent and could draw interest from teams willing to take a calculated risk on his upside. Earlier this month, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels said he would welcome a reunion with Aiyuk, his former college teammate.
"We don't know what he's physically going to be like. His knee was shredded," Schefter added. "I can't say that (the Commanders won't go after him), because him and Jayden Daniels are close, and Jayden may push for him. I think that's a possibility. Just go back and look at the teams that the Niners spoke to when they were having trade talks — the Steelers, the Commanders, the Patriots. I would think all of those teams would at least check in on him. Now, who's going to move forward? That's a hard thing to say."
One thing is clear: with the new league year approaching, the 49ers appear poised to move on and put the Aiyuk drama behind them.