Report: 49ers, Commanders in standoff over WR Brandon Aiyuk

TL;DR

The San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders are in a standoff over wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who the 49ers plan to release but are holding onto in hopes of a trade. The Commanders are interested but are waiting for the 49ers to release him first.

Key points

49ers and Commanders are in a standoff over Brandon Aiyuk
49ers plan to release Aiyuk but are holding out for a trade
Commanders have significant interest but are waiting for a release

San Francisco 49ersWashington CommandersBrandon Aiyuk

The San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders have fallen into a staring contest over disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Since their falling out, the 49ers have made it clear Aiyuk isn't going to play for them in 2026, but they're still holding him on their roster. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport during NFL Network's draft coverage provided an update on why the 49ers haven't moved on from Aiyuk yet. It's because they believe they can acquire an asset for him. And now the two teams are running around in circles.

"They are expected to release him, they just haven't done it yet," Rapoport said. "What the 49ers would like to do is trade him. The Washington Commanders are expected to have interest. I would say significant interest, but they don't want to make a move for him because they know the 49ers are going to release him. And the 49ers don't want to release him because they believe the Commanders want him and would potentially trade for him, which is why we're in this situation right now."

49ers general manager John Lynch at his post-NFL draft press conference said the team isn't going to release Aiyuk right now. He even went as far as to hold up his phone to let the Commanders know the 49ers are available and a phone call away per NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.

It feels like the Aiyuk saga is coming to a head in the near future. The question now is whether the 49ers or Commanders will blink first.

More 49ers: What happened with every pick the 49ers traded away in the 2026 draft?

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire:

Q&A

Why are the 49ers not releasing Brandon Aiyuk?

The 49ers believe they can acquire an asset for Aiyuk, which is why they are holding onto him instead of releasing him.

What is the current situation between the 49ers and Commanders regarding Aiyuk?

The 49ers and Commanders are in a standoff, with the 49ers wanting to trade Aiyuk while the Commanders are hesitant to act, knowing he may be released soon.

What did 49ers GM John Lynch say about Brandon Aiyuk's status?

John Lynch stated that the team is not going to release Aiyuk at this time and indicated that they are open to trade discussions.