New Brandon Aiyuk Rumors Reveal 49ers WR's Diminishing Trade, Contract Value amid Viral Videos

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is "lighting money on fire" in the words of ESPN's Jeremy Fowler amid his wait to find a new home.

The veteran pass-catcher has recently made a habit of posting videos to social media, some of which are not-so-subtle shots at the Niners.

Fowler reported Thursday that Aiyuk is "untradable" and could face a harsh reality if he's cut altogether. The NFL insider said some people within the league suggested Aiyuk may have to settle for the veteran's minimum:

San Francisco came to regret Aiyuk's four-year, $120 million extension only a few months after the ink was dry. He suffered a torn ACL and MCL seven games into the 2024 season, and he has yet to see the field since then.

His relationship with the 49ers worsened because he reportedly skipped some of his rehab sessions during the 2025 offseason.

The team effectively telegraphed its hand when it voided the guaranteed money in Aiyuk's deal for the 2026 campaign. That eased the financial impact of his outright release if it comes to pass.

Prospective suitors already had reason to question the 28-year-old's value moving forward because of the knee injuries and how much time he has missed. The messy nature of his inevitable divorce from the Niners isn't helping matters.

One of his aforementioned videos likely rubbed some around the NFL the wrong way, too. He insisted he'd sign with the Washington Commanders "tomorrow" the moment San Francisco cuts him.

That might be putting the cart before the horse given how things are unfolding.

Teams are willing to put up with a lot of headaches for a player who's talented enough. In the case of Aiyuk, the hassle may simply not be worth it.