Brandon Aiyuk: Everything you need to know

The 49ers are still expected to move on from Aiyuk (knee) but won't necessarily release him Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports. With the 2026 league year kicking off Wednesday afternoon, San Francisco can now release Aiyuk with a post-June 1 designation that spreads some of the dead-cap charge to 2027. Multiple reporters, including Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com, have suggested that Aiyuk is likely to end up in Washington, where he'd reunite with close friend and former college teammate Jayden Daniels.

San Francisco GM John Lynch said Wednesday that Aiyuk (knee) won't play for the 49ers again, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports. Reports in November suggested Aiyuk was angling for his release after the 49ers voided guarantees in his contract. He'll likely get his wish in the coming weeks, with Lynch now confirming that Aiyuk won't be welcomed back to the team.

The 49ers placed Aiyuk (knee) on the reserve/left squad list Saturday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports. The move means Aiyuk will not return for the rest of the season and will likely not be a part of the 49ers' plans from 2026 and beyond. Aiyuk has been recovering from ACL and MCL tears in his right knee that he sustained during the 2024 campaign, and it's unclear whether the 49ers will look to trade the 2020 first-rounder during the offseason or cut him from the roster outright.