New Brandon Aiyuk Rumors on 49ers' 'Deadline' amid Trade, Release Buzz After Cryptic Video

Despite the post-June 1 deadline having passed on the NFL calendar, the San Francisco 49ers aren't in a rush to release disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Per ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the 49ers have no "hard deadline" to release Aiyuk in part because they don't have to pay him since he remains on the reserve/left squad list:

"Because of that designation, he is not being paid and does not count against their 90-man roster. If Aiyuk does not report when the Niners open training camp in late July, he will revert to the reserve/did not report list, which could also trigger fines of up to $50,000 per day."

The situation took another turn on Sunday when Aiyuk posted a video on Instagram alluding to his ongoing standoff with the 49ers.

Since making the All-Pro second team in 2023, things between Aiyuk and the 49ers have gone downhill. It started with an extended holdout and trade request in the summer of 2024 as he sought a contract extension.

The 49ers eventually signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million deal, but he struggled early in the 2024 season before tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

There was an expectation Aiyuk would return to the field at some point in 2025 until November when the team reportedly voided the guaranteed money in his contract for failing to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities for an extended period.

Aiyuk instructed the NFL Players Association not to file a grievance on his behalf. Niners general manager John Lynch told reporters in January it was "safe to say" Aiyuk played his final snap for the team.

The 49ers have been coy about their plan to move on from Aiyuk, though there has been speculation they are trying to hold out for a trade to get anything of value back.

Given that every team in the league knows the 49ers don't want Aiyuk back, in addition to the money still owed on his contract, it's hard to envision a trade happening.

Aiyuk has not been shy about making it known he has interest in the Washington Commanders, including wearing a Commanders hat in a recent Instagram Story video.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Aiyuk were college teammates in 2019 at Arizona State.