Brandon Aiyuk remains locked in a contract standoff on the San Francisco 49ers’ reserve/left squad list, recently posting a social media video challenging the team to cut him so he can sign with the Washington Commanders. A recent Instagram video shows Aiyuk holding a football with a Washington logo on it with the caption: “The best team in the world.”

The 49ers lack immediate financial incentive to blink, as they voided his remaining guarantees after he stopped attending team activities following his 2024 knee injury. If he avoids a release, a team will eventually have to trade for an elite separator who logged a 17.9 Yards Per Reception mark and a +15.9 Expected Points Added (EPA) rating during his last full season. If and when Aiyuk leaves San Francisco, the Commanders are his most likely destination.