Superstar NFL Wide Receiver Has Reportedly Gone Missing

NFL podium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Superstar NFL Wide Receiver Has Reportedly Gone Missing

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 9:02 PM ET

While the A.J. Brown saga cooled down a little in recent weeks, another superstar wide receiver is involved in controversy. His latest actions could mean the end of his NFL tenure altogether.

Brandon Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 NFL season after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee in 2024. He didn’t have the best time recovering from the brutal injury. Now, the situation between the receiver and the San Francisco 49ers has worsened.

He made it clear that he won’t suit up for the NFC West team ever again. Additionally, Aiyuk made it clear he wanted to get released so he could sign with the Washington Commanders. Instead, the Niners want to get something in return in a trade.

Brandon Aiyuk Has Gone Missing Amid Standoff With 49ers

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

NFL insider Adam Schefter explained on Monday that the 49ers have struggled to find a trade partner for Aiyuk. While the team is open to talking, the player is not.

“We’re not just going to give him away, unless we feel like we can get something back for him,” Schefter told Pat McAfee. “The issue is that teams don’t want to trade for that contract, and they don’t want to trade for that contract when they can’t even discuss it with Brandon Aiyuk.”

The fact that Aiyuk has three years and $85 million left on his deal makes it hard for other teams to make a swing for his services.

“They’ve advertised, including this weekend, at every turn that they would trade him for whatever they could get back for him,” Schefter said, adding that the Niners and others have attempted to make contact with Aiyuk. “They’ve had a hard him getting ahold of him.”

Aiyuk has made the 49ers’ situation difficult since last season. He remains a solid player, but his decisions might hurt his value in the league.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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