Why 49ers did not trade Brandon Aiyuk to Commanders despite abundance of rumors image
Over the 2026 NFL offseason, there were plenty of storylines worth following very closely. One of the biggest was the trade rumors and drama surrounding Brandon Aiyuk.
The star wide receiver made it known he didn't want to play for the San Francisco 49ers anymore, and there was a lot of smoke about a trade from the 49ers to the Washington Commanders.
Well, with the two teams set to face off on Monday Night Football in Week 6, Aiyuk hasn't only not been traded; he's actually not been heard from in some time. Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic revealed some insight into Aiyuk's situation, which explains some of why Aiyuk has not been traded to the Commanders.
Why 49ers have not traded Brandon Aiyuk to Commanders
One of the main reasons why a trade wasn't ever completed was that the Commanders likely didn't want to spend any draft capital on Aiyuk, not when there was an expectation he'd be cut before the 2026 NFL season.
But that didn't happen. Despite the threat of a massive monetary hit for the 49ers, they didn't release him. However, the 49ers haven't taken on any new money on Aiyuk's $120 million deal. The reason why? He hasn't shown up.
"... he is currently on the 49ers' reserve/left squad list, an unpaid designation that bars him from team activities until he submits a letter requesting reinstatement," Dugar writes. "He is listed without an NFLPA-certified agent, and attempts by the players' union to reach him have gone unanswered, according to a league source granted anonymity to discuss potentially sensitive topics."
Aiyuk is away from the team, isn't making contact with the team or the NFLPA, and is currently sitting on the 49ers' reserve/left squad list.
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To come back to the NFL, he'll need to file for reinstatement, but he's expressed that he has no interest in doing so. That means, if he sticks by that statement, Aiyuk's NFL days are likely over.
So, why did the 49ers not trade away Aiyuk to the Commanders? Well, the receiver didn't show up to try to stay in the NFL, and he also hasn't helped himself by ghosting the team, former teammates, and anyone who could help him land with the Commanders.
Despite making multiple social media posts over the offseason indicating his wish to join the Commanders, Aiyuk remains with the 49ers, though he's not actually a part of the team.
It should come as little surprise that there are still plenty of questions about the Aiyuk situation. For now, they remain unanswered.
But one thing is certain: Aiyuk hasn't been traded, and won't play for either the 49ers or the Commanders in Week 6 when the two teams face off during the 2026 NFL season.
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