49ers releasing $120 million veteran should interest Commanders, Steelers, Patriots

The San Francisco 49ers are finally moving on from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, San Francisco is planning to release Aiyuk with the new league year set to kick off on Wednesday.

"With the new league year set to begin today, the #49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk. Could happen as soon as today, but certainly soon. Washington is the most likely landing spot for Aiyuk, probably on a one-year prove it deal," Wagoner said.

Aiyuk didn't play a snap in 2025 while recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. However, when he was inching closer to a potential return, Aiyuk was placed on the reserve/left squad list, signaling the end of his tenure with the 49ers.

Though 2025 was a rough year, Aiyuk could still be a productive player with a change of scenery, and though the Commanders are the favorites to land the 27-year-old in free agency due to his connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots could also be possible landing spots.

Aiyuk and Daniels played together in college at Arizona State, and with Washington having a need for a No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, the fit makes sense.

Pittsburgh and New England also still have needs in their receiver rooms, as the Steelers should look to acquire another playmaker to pair with DK Metcalf, while the Patriots have a lot of work left to do to solidify the position despite signing Romeo Doubs.

The last time he played a full season, Aiyuk had 1,342 receiving yards and was a second-team All-Pro selection. The former first-round pick may never return to that form, but he could still be a solid contributor in any team's passing attack, and the Commanders, Steelers, and Patriots should at least look into signing the veteran pass-catcher.

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