An entire offseason spent creating goofy Instagram videos in hopes of willing himself onto the Commanders’ roster didn’t go as Aiyuk had hoped. Instead, the 28-year-old receiver, who last played a snap in 2024, remains under contract with the 49ers after failing to apply for reinstatement, which remains the first step he would need to take if he hopes to be made available to other teams. The 49ers put a “left squad designation” on Aiyuk back in July, meaning while he remains under contract with the team, he does not count against the team’s 53-man roster. It seems unlikely he will remain with the Niners if/when he applies for reinstatement, meaning the team will either have to release him or find a trade suitor for him before this month’s deadline. It would be surprising if Aiyuk played a snap for any team in 2026.