Report: 49ers expected to release WR Brandon Aiyuk soon

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to release wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, which could happen as soon as today. Though the move can occur at any point after the start of the new NFL league year at 1 p.m. PT.

Wagoner reports that San Francisco plans to designate the move as a post-June 1 release to create salary-cap flexibility. However, portions of Aiyuk's contract will remain on the books for several years.

The reporter also noted that the Washington Commanders could emerge as the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, potentially on a one-year "prove-it" deal. Aiyuk has a close relationship with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, which could influence the receiver's next move.

The 49ers signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 season—a deal that ultimately did not play out as the team had hoped. Aiyuk appeared in just seven games that year before suffering ACL and MCL injuries.

San Francisco initially expected Aiyuk to return sometime during the 2025 season, but that never materialized. Questions also arose during his recovery, as the receiver reportedly did not participate in team-directed rehabilitation or meetings. Aiyuk's communication with the organization eventually ceased, prompting the 49ers to place him on the reserve/left squad list, officially ending his season.

After the season concluded, general manager John Lynch indicated that Aiyuk's tenure with the 49ers had likely come to an end.

"I think it's safe to say that he's played his last snap with the Niners," Lynch said during the team's end-of-season press conference. "It's unfortunate—a situation that just went awry. And I will look long and hard at what could have been done differently, but sometimes just doesn't work out. I think that this was a case where that happened."