49ers GM tells Commanders 'we're available' regarding WR Brandon Aiyuk

The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and there were no major trades over the weekend involving veteran players, much to the chagrin of San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch.

At the conclusion of his post-draft press conference alongside head coach Kyle Shanahan, Lynch was asked about an update on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

"No new update right now," Lynch responded. "We’re available. Give us a call."

What's interesting is that when he said he and the 49ers were available, he held up his phone, indicating to other teams, specifically Aiyuk's rumored desired destination, the Washington Commanders, that he was open for business.

A report surfaced during the NFL draft from NFL insider Ian Rapoport regarding Washington's interest in Aiyuk and vice versa. It's not a secret, and it's why the 49ers have played hardball with the disgruntled receiver. They don't want to give him what he wants, despite saying he'd played his last down for the franchise.

"I think it's the prudent thing to do," Lynch continued. "He’s an extremely talented player. He’s been an extremely effective player in our league. The situation didn’t work itself out here. That’s not to say that it can’t be rekindled somewhere else. And we’d be happy to do something with anyone, if the opportunity presented itself."

A trade is not happening. No team is taking on Aiyuk's contract, especially coming off knee surgery. Even if he proves he's 100% healthy, the contract remains a problem. Why would Washington give up anything of value for a player it knows the 49ers have to move on from before Week 1?

For now, this remains a standoff between the 49ers and Commanders. Ideally, Washington would want Aiyuk in the building this offseason to work with his new team, including his good friend, quarterback Jayden Daniels, and offensive coordinator . But, for now, Commanders GM Adam Peters remains content to let things play out.