This one date could finally force 49ers’ hand with Brandon Aiyuk
Now that the NFL Draft 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 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 49ers’ Reserve/Left Squad list. Many expected the team to release him by now, but the 49ers have instead let the situation linger. MORE: Shedeur Sanders’ starting chances with Browns dealt tough blow A clearer timeline has begun to emerge.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic believes May 27 is the key date to watch for Aiyuk’s potential release. Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images How could this happen?
It’s 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 him—he isn’t 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.