Brandon Aiyuk Set for Release
“With the new league year set to begin today, the #49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk,” reported Nick Wagoner, shedding light on a significant shift within the San Francisco 49ers organization.
The decision to release Aiyuk comes after a challenging period for the wide receiver, who was a first-round pick by the 49ers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since signing his contract, Aiyuk has played just seven games, recording 25 catches for 374 yards. His performance has not met the expectations that come with a first-round selection, leading to this impending release.
The 49ers are expected to utilize a post-June 1 designation for Aiyuk’s release, which allows them to manage their salary cap more effectively. “SF is expected to use post June 1 designation, which is why they had to wait until the new league year begins,” Wagoner explained. This strategy will enable the team to save a total of $6.3 million in 2026, $33.1 million in 2027, and $34.9 million in 2028, despite incurring a dead cap hit of $13.325 million in 2026 and $21.247 million in 2027.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timing of Aiyuk’s release, but it is anticipated to occur as soon as March 11, 2026. The decision to part ways with Aiyuk comes after the team voided nearly $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract, a move that reflects their commitment to restructuring the roster.
As the 49ers prepare for this transition, the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk appears to be the Washington Commanders. Following his release, Aiyuk is expected to sign a prove-it deal, indicating that he will be looking to re-establish himself in the league.
The 49ers believe that releasing Aiyuk will ultimately save them in the long run, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively. The decision underscores the challenges that come with high expectations placed on first-round draft picks, especially when performance does not align with those expectations.
Aiyuk’s future, however, seems more certain as he looks to find a new team and prove his capabilities. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this release will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
