Brandon Aiyuk Trade Return and Timeline Addressed by 49ers HC Kyle Shahanan amid Commanders Rumors

Even though it has been assumed for some time that the San Francisco 49ers would simply release Brandon Aiyuk amid a falling out between the two sides, the team is hoping it can find a trade partner for the veteran receiver.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Monday the 49ers hope to get something back in exchange for Aiyuk, adding that they are "in no rush" to get a trade done.

The Washington Commanders have been the most popular landing spot for Aiyuk given his connection with Jayden Daniels dating back to their time at Arizona State, but previous reports say they are "unlikely" to trade for him given how much money remains on his contract.

Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic reported in November that the 49ers and Aiyuk were headed toward a separation because Aiyuk had "failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities," leading to increased frustration within the organization over his lack of communication.

Aiyuk started last season on the physically unable to perform list as he continued to rehab from a knee injury suffered in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 20, 2024.

Per Russini and Silver, the 49ers voided guaranteed money on Aiyuk's contract for 2026 and he declined to have the NFLPA file a grievance on his behalf to challenge the move.

Despite the new league year starting on March 11 and the 49ers having the ability to release Aiyuk, they have kept him on their roster in part because they aren't on the hook for much of the guaranteed money left on his deal after voiding it.

ESPN's Adam Schefter explained on NFL Live earlier this month (h/t Florito Maniego of NBC Sports Bay Area) that the 49ers are "not planning to release (Aiyuk) any time soon" and could try to hold onto him through the draft to see if they could receive a pick back or even into the summer.

"They've paid him an awful amount of money," Schefter said. "I don't think this is happening any time soon, despite the report, and I think that they'll be holding on to him for a little while to see if there's any trade value at all."

Aiyuk still has $57.6 million in base salary remaining on the four-year $120 million extension he signed in August 2024.

Given how much time he has missed because of a significant knee injury that saw him tear both the ACL and MCL, combined with the 49ers essentially telling the 31 other teams they aren't going to employ Aiyuk anymore after voiding his money, it's hard to imagine a team biting on a trade at that financial cost.

Aiyuk, who is only 28, was an All-Pro second-team selection in 2023. He finished that season with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns to help the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.