49ers Refuse to Cut Brandon Aiyuk, Seek Trade Instead

Commanders' hopes of signing the receiver for free dashed as San Francisco looks to get assets in return

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:27pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in deep burgundy, navy, and forest green tones, conveying the complex and shifting nature of the Aiyuk trade situation.The Commanders' pursuit of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk takes an unexpected turn as San Francisco opts to seek a trade rather than a release.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers have decided not to release wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as previously expected, and will instead seek to trade the former first-round pick. This is bad news for the Washington Commanders, who were hoping to sign Aiyuk as a free agent to bolster their receiving corps. With the 49ers now looking to get something in return for Aiyuk, the Commanders will have to give up valuable draft capital if they want to acquire the talented but injury-prone wideout.

Why it matters

The Commanders have a significant need at wide receiver and were viewed as a potential landing spot for Aiyuk, who played with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in college. However, the 49ers' decision to pursue a trade rather than a release means the Commanders will have to outbid other teams interested in Aiyuk, complicating their offseason plans.

The details

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Monday that the team is looking to trade Aiyuk rather than simply releasing him. Shanahan said the 49ers are 'in no rush' to move Aiyuk, indicating they believe they can get decent trade compensation for the 25-year-old receiver. Aiyuk has not played since the 2024 season due to a torn ACL, adding uncertainty to his future.

  • On Monday, March 30, 2026, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided the update on Aiyuk's status.

The players

Kyle Shanahan

Head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Brandon Aiyuk

Wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who has not played since the 2024 season due to a torn ACL.

Jayden Daniels

Quarterback for the Washington Commanders who played with Aiyuk in college.

Washington Commanders

NFL team that was viewed as a potential landing spot for Aiyuk in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said the team hopes the team can get something in return for WR Brandon Aiyuk.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

“I know we're in no rush to do that.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The Commanders will now have to decide if they want to pursue a trade for Aiyuk, weighing the potential upside against the cost of acquiring him. The 49ers appear willing to be patient in finding the right deal for the receiver.

The takeaway

This development is a setback for the Commanders, who were hoping to sign Aiyuk as a free agent to address a major need at wide receiver. Now they will have to compete with other teams interested in trading for Aiyuk, potentially having to give up valuable draft capital to land the talented but injury-prone wideout.