Rapoport: 49ers, Commanders remain locked in standoff over Brandon Aiyuk

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Rapoport: 49ers, Commanders remain locked in standoff over Brandon Aiyuk

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 6:59 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his last snap for the organization. While a release feels inevitable, the 49ers are still hoping a team—most notably the Washington Commanders—will be willing to offer something in a trade.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport provided an update on the situation during coverage of the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

"Let's talk about Brandon Aiyuk, because obviously, that is going to be a receiver that is going to be in the news over the next several months," Rapoport said on-air. "The 49ers have already been very, very clear: he is not going to play for them, due $27 million in salary. None of it is guaranteed, mostly because they took away his guaranteed [money] for stopping from showing up to rehab early this year.

"They are expected to release him. They just haven't done it yet. What the 49ers would like to do is trade him. The Washington Commanders are expected to have interest—I would say significant interest—but they don't want to make a move for him because they know that the 49ers are going to release him. And the 49ers don't want to release him because they believe the Commanders want him, and would potentially trade for him, which is why we're in this situation right now."

From The NFL Draft: Breaking down the situation surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, who still has not been released, but is expected to have interest from the #Commanders when it happens. pic.twitter.com/X5VE1sQdiN— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2026

Rapoport also believes a future move to Washington remains the most likely outcome.

"My belief, eventually, is that Aiyuk will be playing with his good friend [QB] Jayden Daniels for the Commanders," Rapoport said.

On Saturday, 49ers general manager John Lynch addressed the ongoing situation, making it clear there is no urgency to resolve it quickly. With no immediate need to cut ties, San Francisco is willing to wait for the right opportunity—if it arrives.

"Like I said earlier, I think it's the prudent thing to do," Lynch said. "He's an extremely talented player. He's been an extremely effective player in our league. The situation didn't work itself out here. That's not to say that it can't be rekindled somewhere else. And we'd be happy to do something with anyone, if the opportunity presented itself."

When asked directly about a timeline for a potential release, Lynch simply stated, "Not anytime soon."

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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