49ers may have a deadline to trade Brandon Aiyuk

For months, it's been pretty clear that Brandon Aiyuk has already played his last snap for the San Francisco 49ers.

Nevertheless, the 49ers won't do him any favors. They know another team might sign him right away, so they won't release him and let him walk for free.

So far, that approach hasn't worked. There have been no takers, not even during the NFL Draft.

However, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the 49ers will be more willing to accept whatever they can for his services, thus making a post-June 1 trade more likely.

The 49ers may trade Brandon Aiyuk after June 1

"However, San Francisco may be more aggressive about trying to move Aiyuk after June 1. In other words, it may be willing to take less in compensation," Knox wrote. "A trade before then would cost $19.9 million in additional cap space, while a trade after June 1 would save $1.3 million."

Aiyuk has some obvious ties to the Washington Commanders, given his close friendship with former college teammate Jayden Daniels. Also, Knox believes the Tennessee Titans might be tempted to give Cam Ward another weapon:

"Teams with ties to Aiyuk and/or those simply looking for a bargain should be interested," added Knox. "Potential Suitors: Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders."

When healthy, Aiyuk is an All-Pro-caliber pass catcher and a dominant force for the passing game.

Still, he hasn't been healthy in a while, and given how he's dealt with his rehab and the organization, it makes sense that the 49ers have chosen to move on from him.

That doesn't mean they won't want to get something in return for their investment.