Brandon Aiyuk continues to publicly push for a separation from the San Francisco 49ers and a move to the Washington Commanders amid a contract dispute.
For anyone who wasn’t clear on the fifth-year receiver’s intentions, he recently posted a video to his Instagram story in which he said “Go Commanders! Raise hail!”
That was far more explicit than previous hints Aiyuk dropped on social media, such as posts located in Washington D.C. and recording videos wearing a Commanders hat.
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Days later, Aiyuk took to social media again, demanding that the 49ers cut him so that he could sign with the Commanders.
“If I’m crazy or if I’m cappin’,” Aiyuk said, “tell them boys cut me today and I’ll sign with the Commanders tomorrow. We’ll see who’s cappin’.”
On Friday, Aiyuk posted a video in which he said that he doesn’t currently have an agent — and hasn’t had one since November when he terminated his Standard Representation Agreement (SRA) through the NFL Players Association last November.
Yet according to the NFLPA player-agent database, Aiyuk is still listed as being represented by Ryan Williams of Athletes First, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports. Had Aiyuk terminated his SRA, as he claims, that would be indicated in the database.
That apparent misunderstanding could in part explain Aiyuk’s current situation, in which he has not applied to the NFL for reinstatement. The 49ers placed him on the Reserve/Left Squad list in December for not reporting to the team facility to do rehab work on his injured right knee.
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Aiyuk has not filed the necessary paperwork for reinstatement, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday. Until he does that, the 49ers don’t have to release him.
Perhaps this would have happened already if Aiyuk was communicating with his agent. Or Aiyuk would have reported to the 49ers’ facility, presumably on advice from his representatives.
In July, the 49ers voided the $27 million of guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract due to his failing to report for rehab sessions and team meetings. The receiver did not file a grievance, believing that would make it easier for the team to release him.
Aiyuk, 28, last played in 2024, appearing in seven games before tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee in a Week 7 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. In five seasons with San Francisco, he’s compiled 294 receptions for 4.305 yards and 25 touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per catch.
