San Francisco 49ers make Brandon Aiyuk available for trade

The San Francisco 49ers have signaled the end of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure with the team. The organization has informed Aiyuk that he will not play another regular-season game for the franchise and has notified other clubs that he is available for trade.

In a symbolic move, the 49ers have removed Aiyuk’s locker stall from the team facility. While he remains under contract and is currently on the Reserve/Left Squad list, general manager John Lynch has indicated that the wide receiver will not return to the team. The split follows a period of tension regarding his rehabilitation from a torn ACL and his contract status.

The trade market for the 28-year-old is considered complex due to his $28 million cap hit and recent injury history. The 49ers are reportedly seeking a Day 2 draft pick, ideally a second-rounder, though a third-round pick is viewed as a more likely outcome. Potential suitors mentioned in exploratory conversations include the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos.