Schefter: 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk’s behavior likely raising red flags across the NFL

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appears to be doing little to improve his standing around the NFL as his offseason behavior continues to draw criticism. The disgruntled San Francisco 49ers receiver has openly expressed frustration with the organization and is trying to force the team to release him.

Aiyuk has made little effort to hide his desire to leave San Francisco, with many believing he would welcome an opportunity to reunite with his close friend and quarterback Jayden Daniels on the Washington Commanders.

However, any team considering Aiyuk must weigh several concerns. The receiver is still recovering from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in 2024 and has not appeared in a game since. Beyond the injury questions, many around the league have criticized Aiyuk's social media activity, viewing it as a sign of immaturity and potential locker-room concerns.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter believes Aiyuk's actions have further hurt any slim market value he might have previously had.

"I think every time he opens his mouth, he damages his standing with other teams, and he scares other teams from bringing him into their organization," Schefter said on his latest podcast. "And I just think he doesn't realize that. He thinks he's helping the situation. I don't believe that to be the case."

Schefter added that conversations around the league have not been favorable for the receiver.

"In speaking to teams, everybody is saying, 'What's wrong with this guy right now?'" Schefter said. "It's unsettling to watch him. It's scary to see how he's handling himself. And by the way, he's still a member of the 49ers organization—still—the team that paid him.

"And he's saying, 'Go Commanders,' which clearly is the team that he would like to go play for, being that he played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State."

Schefter revealed that he spoke with the Commanders before the 2026 NFL Draft, when speculation about a potential Aiyuk trade was widespread. While many believed Washington could be a logical landing spot, the insider noted that the team had reservations about acquiring the receiver even then.

According to Schefter, those concerns may not have gone away.

"I would imagine they still exist," he said.

Meanwhile, Aiyuk seems to believe that signing with the Commanders is inevitable.

When might the 49ers release Aiyuk?

Reports have suggested the 49ers could move on from Aiyuk before or early in training camp, and Schefter believes that scenario is likely.

"I would imagine that when the 49ers get back and reconvene for training camp, right around there, I would think that they wind up releasing Brandon Aiyuk—just flat-out cutting him," Schefter said. "And at that point in time, Brandon Aiyuk would be a free agent, and then we'll see what type of impact these social media posts have had, if any.

"Maybe there will not be a team that is bothered or concerned by the way that he has acted and behaved and handled himself, and maybe they'll be willing to bring him in knowing the talent he has."

Even if teams remain interested, Aiyuk may have to settle for a one-year prove-it contract. The combination of a major knee injury, nearly two years away from game action, and questions surrounding his behavior could significantly limit his options.

"And now, there are questions about the way he's handled himself," Schefter added. "And so, I don't know that anybody's waiting to go sign Brandon Aiyuk."

Schefter also noted that the 49ers' decision to void Aiyuk's guaranteed money raises red flags. Such a move may signal deeper issues behind the scenes as Aiyuk recovered from his injury.

Whether Aiyuk ultimately lands with the Commanders or elsewhere, the coming weeks could determine the extent to which his recent actions have affected his future NFL opportunities.