The 2025 season will be over for most teams in the coming weeks, but the latest update on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk means his time is done. According to reports, the 49ers are placing Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, which means he won’t have a chance to play again this season. With rumors spreading that the 49ers could release Aiyuk after the season is over, this puts icing on the cake that San Francisco plans to make that move. Originally selected in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Arizona State product has not played a snap since last season, tearing his ACL and MCL just after signing a four-year monster contract that same year.
Report: 49ers Receive Grim Update On Superstar All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk
It has been one of the worst investments for the offense, unfortunately, as the expectation was that Aiyuk would continue playing since he sat out to receive a new deal. The good news for the 49ers’ cap space is that they voided all of Aiyuk’s guarantees on his current deal, which means that San Francisco is preparing to release him once their 2025 campaign is over.
It’s hard to imagine anyone would be willing to trade for him, so this could be a smart decision for the 49ers by letting him walk. Will anyone be interested in getting him? This will be one of the biggest storylines heading into the offseason, as Aiyuk can sign anywhere. No worries for Aiyuk since he may get a competitive market from these three teams.
Possible Next Teams
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are rumored to target Aiyuk if he becomes a free agent. This makes sense as quarterback Jayden Daniels would reunite with his former teammate. However, this is all dependent on what happens to Deebo Samuel this upcoming offseason. Do the Commanders want Terry McLaurin, Samuel and Aiyuk as their new starting lineup? This might be the route that the Commanders might have to take to get themselves back to the NFC Championship Game.
Despite that, what would happen to Luke McCaffrey? He was a solid slot receiver for the squad, even though the offense endured several injuries. McCaffrey may break out next year, so Aiyuk joining would probably only make sense if Samuel departs in free agency.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens may move on from DeAndre Hopkins after the 2025 season. Hopkins was considered a steal this past offseason, signing a cheap one-year deal with the Ravens to pair with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but it’s clearly not working. In the past few weeks, Hopkins hasn’t been used in several pass-catching moments. If Hopkins joins elsewhere, the Ravens could roll the dice on Aiyuk to team up with Flowers as the new deep-route duo.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, quarterback Justin Herbert needs a superstar receiver, not named Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, to help him in the aerial attack. It’s hard to see Quentin Johnston maintaining his starting job for next season. With Allen aging, the Chargers’ signing of Aiyuk gives the team a fresh start. This works as Aiyuk could turn into a cost-effective option for a team that is going to be a postseason contender for years to come, as long as Herbert stays healthy.
The post Report: 49ers Receive Grim Update On Superstar All-Pro appeared first on Last Word on NFL.