49ers waiting game with Brandon Aiyuk leaves NFL teams on hold

Why haven't the San Francisco 49ers traded disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk yet? ESPN's Dan Graziano offered insight into the situation on Tuesday, pointing to what many around the NFL already believe—that Aiyuk will likely be released before the 2026 season.

"We're available. Give us a call," general manager John Lynch said of Aiyuk's availability during a press conference following the 2026 NFL Draft.

According to Graziano, the financial structure of Aiyuk's contract is a major factor complicating a potential trade. Additionally, ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported that, like the 49ers, NFL teams haven't been able to speak with Aiyuk about his interest in a trade and his contract situation.

Although the 49ers voided the remaining guarantees in Aiyuk's deal last year, significant money is still attached to the contract. If the receiver remains on the roster in 2026, he is scheduled to earn $27 million. Any team trading for Aiyuk before his release would inherit that salary obligation.

As a result, interested teams appear content to wait until San Francisco releases the receiver, allowing them to sign him at a significantly lower cost.

"Knowing the relationship is broken and that the Niners will almost certainly cut Aiyuk before having to pay his Week 1 salary, teams have decided they can afford to wait," Graziano wrote. "The Niners don't need to cut him until it's time for him to get paid, so they can wait, too, and see whether a team ultimately decides to send them a draft pick for Aiyuk."

The relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers deteriorated quickly after the wide receiver signed a four-year, $120 million extension, a deal that reportedly led to buyer's remorse within the organization. Then, Aiyuk suffered ACL and MCL injuries during the 2024 season.

While there was hope he could contribute at some point in 2025, Aiyuk never returned to the field for San Francisco. Reports later surfaced that the receiver cut off communication with the organization, even as the team remained hopeful about his recovery and eventual return—a development that seemingly sealed his future with the franchise.

"I do believe he will be on a different team in 2026, and most people have been assuming that team would be the Commanders," Graziano wrote. "But given the way things have gone between Aiyuk and the 49ers over the past couple of years, San Francisco doesn't appear to be in a hurry to do him the favor of making him a free agent."