The San Francisco 49ers are entering the 2026 NFL offseason with two major holes: pass rusher and wide receiver.
While the pass rusher hole still needs to be filled, they've begun making moves at wide receiver. Mike Evans is reportedly set to sign with the 49ers on a $60.3 million three-year deal with $16.3 million guaranteed.
In the wake of that decision, the future of Brandon Aiyuk couldn't be any clearer. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the 49ers plan to release Aiyuk shortly after the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 11th.
49ers plan to cut Brandon Aiyuk as soon as today
"With the new league year set to begin today, the 49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk," Wagoner reports. "Could happen as soon as today, but certainly soon."
Aiyuk's time in San Francisco was always likely to come to an end after how the 2025 season, or lack thereof, went.
The addition of Mike Evans, which will become official on Wednesday barring a Maxx Crosby-esque surprise, means that Aiyuk doesn't have a spot on the roster anymore.
Combined with how 2025 went, with Aiyuk and the 49ers having discord over his injury recovery, the split this offseason makes too much sense.
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But, when it comes to the official release, the 49ers might make such an announcement right away once the new league year begins at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 11th.
Aiyuk's time in San Francisco is coming to an end, and while the Washington Commanders might have interest, Aiyuk's future in the NFL is a big question mark going forward.
The 49ers will save a lot of money in the future by releasing Aiyuk, as they're getting out of his contract worth $120 million, thanks to the disgruntled star not challenging the 49ers' voiding part of his 2026 contract this past season.
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