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This one date could finally force 49ersā hand with Brandon Aiyuk
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers have not yet released wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, despite expectations. A key date to watch for his potential release is May 27.
Key points
- 49ers have not released Brandon Aiyuk yet
- Aiyuk is on the Reserve/Left Squad list
- May 27 is a key date for his potential release
San Francisco 49ersBrandon Aiyuk
Now that the NFL Draft has concluded, teams are transitioning into spring and summer workouts, including OTAs, minicamps, and soon, training camps.
The San Francisco 49ers addressed several positions this offseason, including the wide receiver room. While general manager John Lynch has indicated the team will not bring back Jauan Jennings, he has yet to decide how to handle another receiver.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains under contract on the 49ersā Reserve/Left Squad list. Many expected the team to release him by now, but the 49ers have instead let the situation linger.
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A clearer timeline has begun to emerge. Matt Barrows of The Athletic believes May 27 is the key date to watch for Aiyukās potential release.
How could this happen? Itās simple: Aiyuk reports to camp. His return would force the 49ers to either release him or move him onto the active roster.
At the moment, Aiyuk is essentially a no-call, no-show. The team has effectively sidelined himāhe isnāt getting paid, yet he cannot sign elsewhere because the 49ers still hold his rights.
The Aiyuk saga has been bizarre, to say the least. The current timeline traces back to the 2024 offseason. At that point, Aiyuk had entered the final year of his contract. After negotiations with the 49ers stalled, he requested a trade.
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He appeared on multiple podcasts to explain his desire to leave and even named preferred landing spots.
The 49ers came within one phone call of finalizing a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers before Aiyuk changed his mind. Head coach Kyle Shanahan reportedly rushed to Lynchās office to halt the deal.
During the 2024 season, Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL, and his situation has deteriorated since. He stopped attending rehab sessions and workouts and eventually distanced himself from the team entirely.
Now, his guarantees have been voided, and a once-promising career hangs in the balance. Could Aiyuk play his final card on May 27 and force the 49ers to release him?
He almost certainly needs a fresh startābut which team, if any, is willing to take that risk?
Q&A
What is the significance of May 27 for Brandon Aiyuk's future with the 49ers?
May 27 is considered a crucial date for Brandon Aiyuk, as it may determine whether the 49ers decide to release him from the Reserve/Left Squad list.
Why hasn't the 49ers released Brandon Aiyuk yet?
The 49ers have allowed the situation with Brandon Aiyuk to linger, despite expectations that he would be released by now.
What are the 49ers' plans for their wide receiver position this offseason?
The 49ers have addressed several positions in the offseason, including the wide receiver room, but have not finalized their decision on Brandon Aiyuk.
