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NFL Insider: ‘A lot’ of players don’t want to play for the 49ers

The 49ers could be headed for a surprising offseason storyline involving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose future with the organization appears increasingly uncertain following the voiding of his contract and a season-long absence due to a knee injury.

However, according to ESPN Radio’s NFL insider Lake Lewis Jr., the injury may not have been the true reason behind his absence from the field.

During an appearance on the Rambling With Rio podcast, which focuses on the Washington Commanders, Lewis suggested the wideout is actually healthy.

“Brandon Aiyuk would be a perfect compliment for Terry right now,” Lewis said, referencing Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin. “And from what I was told, you know that knee’s good, he’s healthy. … He’s good. He’s fine.”

NFL Insider Lake Lewis Jr. on Brandon Aiyuk possibly joining the Commanders:

“From what I was told, that knee is good. He’s healthy. He’s good [mentally], he’s fine. He just did not want to be out there [San Francisco]. I’ve heard a lot of guys don’t want to be out there. I’m… pic.twitter.com/cXyWwPl5Y0

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 4, 2026

Those comments add an interesting wrinkle to the ongoing narrative surrounding the 49ers and Aiyuk.

The former first-round pick had been one of the team’s most productive pass catchers before the injury sidelined him for the 2025 season. But with his contract ultimately voided and speculation growing about tensions between the player and the organization, Lewis indicated the situation might have been about more than just recovery from a knee injury.

“He just did not want to be out there,” Lewis said. “New surroundings. And I mean, I’ve heard a lot of guys don’t want to be out there. I’m gonna leave it at that.”

If Lewis’ information proves accurate, it could mean the 49ers were dealing with a deeper disconnect behind the scenes.

Aiyuk’s recent social media activity has only fueled speculation about his relationship with the franchise. Not long after the contract situation became public, Aiyuk posted a video of himself speeding past Levi’s Stadium, a clip that many fans interpreted as a pointed message toward the team.

For an organization that has prided itself on stability and a strong locker-room culture under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, the situation is unusual.

The 49ers have navigated star-player contract disputes before, but the combination of a voided deal, a missed season, and comments from insiders suggesting dissatisfaction has turned Aiyuk’s case into an intriguing one as the franchise nears its end.

From Brandon Aiyuk’s YouTube, a video speeding by Levi’s Stadium.

Full video here: https://t.co/Z4XCzkMQW8 pic.twitter.com/uO6Lsby0v0

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) December 20, 2025

Adding another layer to the narrative is the presence of former 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel in Washington.

Samuel, once a key offensive weapon in San Francisco, now plays for the Commanders, where he has reunited with a new locker room and offensive system. The idea of Aiyuk potentially joining Samuel in Washington has already sparked speculation among fans and analysts, especially after Lewis floated the possibility of Aiyuk complementing McLaurin.

What’s clear is that the 49ers could soon face another major decision regarding one of their most talented — and most talked-about — former playmakers as the start of the new league year approaches.