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Aiyuk Requests 49ers Release, Targets Washington

7/1/2026

Summary

Aiyuk Seeks Release

Brandon Aiyuk has asked the 49ers to release him to join Washington.
He has not played October 2024 after tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 7 versus Kansas City.
The 49ers voided his $120 million extension and would face $7.3 million in 2026 and $19.2 million in 2027 if cut.
Washington GM Adam Peters said a one-year deal is possible, but Aiyuk’s Instagram rants have raised doubts, keeping him on the Reserve/Left Squad list.

Summary

Aiyuk Cuts Agent

Aiyuk terminated his representation agreement with agent Ryan Williams of Athletes First on Saturday.
Because he remains under contract, contact from Washington would breach NFL tampering rules, requiring him to petition the league for reinstatement.
George Kittle said Aiyuk ran at 22 mph eight months ago, showing he is still physically capable.
Commanders officials weigh the signing’s effect on quarterback Jayden Daniels, noting analysts suggest pursuing veteran receiver Stefon Diggs instead.

Summary

Houshmandzadeh Warns

T.J. Houshmandzadeh warned that signing Deebo Aiyuk could cost general manager (GM) Adam Peters his job because of Aiyuk’s Instagram tirades.
He said Aiyuk’s social-media outbursts risk ending his NFL career and could keep him from ever playing again.
He advised Aiyuk to stay off Instagram for the foreseeable future.
He questioned why Washington would be immune to the same disruptive dynamics that plagued San Francisco.

Summary

Aiyuk Demands Cut

Aiyuk’s social-media campaign aims to pressure the San Francisco 49ers into cutting him rather than trading him.
The Washington Commanders’ front office includes former 49ers executive Adam Peters, a link that may sway the team’s interest.
Analysts say the 49ers can still explore trades while retaining leverage, even as Aiyuk voids guarantees and risks losing a large part of his $120 million deal.

History

Historical Context

After a tumultuous 2019 trade to the Raiders and a September release, Antonio Brown returned in July 2020 only to receive an eight-week personal-conduct suspension. The Buccaneers signed him later that month, and he contributed 45 catches for 483 yards and four touchdowns as Tampa Bay won Super Bowl LV. His saga reflects the NFL’s growing struggle to police players’ social-media conduct.

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Aiyuk Seeks Release

Brandon Aiyuk has asked the 49ers to release him to join Washington.
He has not played October 2024 after tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 7 versus Kansas City.
The 49ers voided his $120 million extension and would face $7.3 million in 2026 and $19.2 million in 2027 if cut.
Washington GM Adam Peters said a one-year deal is possible, but Aiyuk’s Instagram rants have raised doubts, keeping him on the Reserve/Left Squad list.

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