Brandon Aiyuk’s contract dispute fuels public feud with 49ers and links to Washington Commanders

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains under his four‑year, $120 million extension but has not played since a knee injury in October 2024. The 49ers placed him on the reserve/left‑ squad list and have voided more than $26 million in guaranteed money after he missed meetings and rehab obligations.

Aiyuk has taken the dispute to social media, posting a series of Instagram and YouTube videos that criticize general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and his former agent Ryan Williams, whom he later formally fired. He repeatedly stated he would never return to the 49ers facility except for the October 19 game against the Washington Commanders, indicating a preference to join Washington.

The Commanders have not pursued a trade but have publicly said they would consider signing Aiyuk to a “highly incentivized” one‑year deal if he is released. Former 49ers executive Adam Peters now serves as Washington’s GM, adding a personal connection. The situation remains unresolved as the 49ers have yet to release Aiyuk, and his future with either team is uncertain.