newsweek
The lengthy and complicated split between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers could be nearing its final chapter, and a potential new team has already emerged as a possible destination. Aiyuk is currently working toward reinstatement to the NFL after being away from the 49ers for nearly a year.
During the summer, Aiyuk frequently criticized the 49ers on social media, and he has since met with the organization to initiate the process of returning to the league. However, when he does return, it will not be with San Francisco.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, one team may be willing to take on Aiyuk and the off-field distractions that come with him. The reporters stated that the Washington Commanders have not completely ruled out the idea of adding the wide receiver, who was rumored to be headed to Washington during the summer.
Before any deal for Aiyuk could be completed—if one were to happen at all—the organization would need to consult with multiple individuals. As Schefter and Rapoport noted, it is not a definitive no, but it is also not a yes just yet.
This represents a significant development for a player who has not taken an NFL snap in more than two years. Aiyuk tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 20, 2024, and has not played since.
In July 2025, the 49ers voided roughly $27 million in remaining guarantees in his contract because he failed to attend rehab check-ins, and he was placed on the reserve/left-squad list that December. General manager John Lynch stated in January that Aiyuk had played his final snaps for San Francisco, and Aiyuk subsequently skipped the offseason program and training camp.
Matters finally began to progress this week. Aiyuk hired agent Drew Rosenhaus, filed for reinstatement, and met with the 49ers on Friday for approximately an hour and 15 minutes—his first public appearance in the Bay Area since the injury.
"I'm feeling great, feeling healthy," Aiyuk said. "It was a long recovery process, a long rehab process, but I'm back to 100% and looking to get reinstated to the National Football League."
Nevertheless, a major obstacle remains. The league informed Aiyuk this week that he must repay about $13 million in bonus money that the 49ers are seeking before he can be reinstated.
If the two sides resolve that issue, San Francisco could release him (the most likely outcome), trade him, or add him to the 53-man roster. Trading him is the team's preference, but the 49ers have not found a trade partner throughout the offseason, and the deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Key Analysis
The Commanders' reported interest in Aiyuk adds a layer of intrigue to a situation that has been stagnant for months. While Washington has not committed to a deal, the mere possibility suggests that some teams may be willing to overlook Aiyuk's injury history and off-field conduct in exchange for his on-field talent. However, the $13 million repayment hurdle and the lack of trade interest so far indicate that a resolution may not come quickly. The 49ers' preference to trade Aiyuk rather than release him further complicates matters, as they would need a partner willing to absorb his contract and potential risks. With the deadline looming, all parties face a tight timeline to find a solution.
Originally reported by newsweek.