Lynch: Aiyuk on ‘left squad designation’

Although Robinson will apparently undergo more testing, the “initial diagnosis” aspect seems like a formality at this point. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he is “sure” the team will have to sign a wide receiver, “whether it’s a practice squad or to the roster.” For those curious, Shanahan was asked whether there was any chance of bringing back WR Brandon Aiyuk. Per Wagoner, Shanahan responded simply, “No.” That’s that. Expect Robinson to miss time, likely increasing WR Deebo Samuel’s involvement. No. 1 WR Mike Evans suffered a hip injury, though Shanahan did not seem to think it was serious.

Perhaps more notable is that Keim pointed out “other free agents don’t appear to be on their radar,” with Brandon Aiyuk presumably the “other” in this scenario. Diggs has long been linked to the Commanders as a potential fit, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported last week that “Washington is intriguing” to Diggs, so there’s a good chance some mutual interest exists. The Commanders’ receiver room is headlined by Terry McLaurin, but behind him is an unproven group in Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, and rookie Antonio Williams. It feels like only a matter of time before the Commanders eventually make a move to upgrade their receiving corps, and Diggs would provide a solid option opposite McLaurin after going for 85-1,013-4 with the Patriots last season.

Well, let’s see if we can get a few Instagram posts off that change minds, Brandon. Aiyuk and the 49ers are at an impasse and he has not posted on his social accounts that he’s not “doing business” with the 49ers at this time, and unless he reports to the 49ers they can’t actually release him anyway. This situation has turned from a fait accompli that he’d eventually join the Commanders into something that surely has them second-guessing things, as reported by Nicki Jhavala of The Athletic earlier last month.

Aiyuk, who is still under contract with the 49ers, continues to post highly erratic videos to social media platforms after a California judge issued a warrant for his arrest in early June following exhibitionist speeding past the 49ers stadium. Jhabvala said the posts could make it less likely that Aiyuk lands with Washington ahead of the regular season. It’s been nearly 20 months since Aiyuk was last on an NFL field. “What was once a seemingly minimal-risk option now appears more concerning,” Jhabvala said, adding that the Commanders would “have to feel incredibly confident that he’s fit, physically and emotionally, to not just sign, but be committed to what they’re trying to build.” That appears more unlikely with every unhinged Instagram video. Aiyuk, 28, said on June 25 that he would “sign with the Commanders” tomorrow if the Niners cut him from their roster.

In a social media post, evidently streamed from a residence in Washington, D.C., Aiyuk asks his audience whether a warrant for his arrest has actually been issued. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speeding on June 3rd. We are surprised to learn that he is not fully aware of this. This situation presents a problem for him. Aiyuk has been placed on the reserve/left squad list, which means the 49ers do not have to pay him unless he applies for, and is granted, reinstatement. After that, he must return to the team facility. Once he does so, the 49ers must make a decision as to whether they pay him or release him. As long as he remains away from the team, the 49ers’ front office is not obligated to make a decision. If Aiyuk is set on avoiding California due to the arrest warrant, we see no reason to believe that this situation will be resolved anytime soon.

He said this in a video of himself he posted to social media. Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers while on the reserve/left squad list. He has only ever needed to show up to practice to force the 49ers to cut him. Aiyuk has yet to do that, giving his rather spiteful team no reason to let him hit free agency. For now, Aiyuk is in a weird standoff with the team that once signed him to a four-year, $120 million contract. It’s unclear when he will be released, but it’s hard to imagine him going anywhere other than Washington when that happens.

The warrant stems from a video recorded by Aiyuk in December in which the beleaguered receiver filmed himself speeding past Levi’s Stadium. Aiyuk remains a member of the 49ers but the team has publicly stated that he has played his last snap with the franchise. Expectations were that the 49ers were looking to trade Aiyuk following June 1, but the most recent fallout from his display of character could throw a wrench in any ongoing negotiations. He appears headed for a release, subjecting himself to the mercy of the free agent market that also includes other notable veteran wide receivers.

The 49ers voided Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees in November and will only be required to pay him if he remains on the roster on September 1. Fowler said a trade is still possible, but questions remain about Aiyuk’s surgically-repaired knee. He also has not spoken to the organization for some time. It’s an unfortunate situation that could drag on for a while.

Our most recent report on Aiyuk came from The Athletic’s Matt Barrows late in April. Barrows believes the team’s first organized team activities session, on May 27th, “might be an unofficial marker” for Aiyuk’s release. That date is just six days away and no new trade rumors have surfaced. If they wish to end the saga, we could see him hit free agency soon. It sounds like they may be committed to holding out for a trade partner this summer, though.

The 49ers are currently sitting on Aiyuk’s contract, which now has all of its future guarantees voided. They have reportedly been looking for a trade partner, though there’s no chance a team trades for a player whom the 49ers GM John Lynch himself has said is done with the team. Aiyuk is currently on the reserve/left squad list, meaning the 49ers don’t have to pay him anything right now. He could force their hand by showing up to OTAs. In Barrows’ cutting words, “Maybe Aiyuk’s most effective move is something he failed to do last season — show up for work.” Assuming he does that, the 49ers will release him, at which point he would be likely to sign with the Commanders, if previous reports are to be believed.