Brandon Aiyuk Standoff Continues as 49ers Keep Him on Reserve List

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains on the team’s reserve/left‑squad list after the franchise voided the remaining guarantees of his four‑year, $120 million extension for skipping rehab meetings and team activities following a torn ACL and MCL in 2024. To be reinstated, Aiyuk must file paperwork with Commissioner Roger Goodell – a step he has not yet taken.

Aiyuk has taken to Instagram to demand a release, posting videos in which he tosses cash, declares his intent to “sign with the Commanders tomorrow,” and repeatedly insults the 49ers. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler noted, “He’s lighting money on fire… He is on the left‑squad list for the 49ers still. To get off that list, he has to apply to Commissioner Roger Goodell.” Former NFL safety T.J. Ward warned Washington, saying, “You ain’t coming over here… You doing all this… The owners are a club and we don’t want that kind of issue.”

The Washington Commanders have been linked to Aiyuk because of his college connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels, but team officials have not confirmed any interest, and several analysts describe him as “essentially untradeable” at this point. The 49ers have offered no firm indication of a trade or release, leaving Aiyuk’s future uncertain and likely to hinge on whether he files the necessary paperwork before training camp.