The 49ers keep injured WR Brandon Aiyuk, seeking trade value despite no immediate deal.

The San Francisco 49ers have not released wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has been inactive since 2024 due to a knee injury, despite expectations. Though Aiyuk requested a trade and left the team last season, the 49ers are reportedly holding onto him to seek trade value, possibly a seventh-round draft pick, rather than releasing him. His $15 million cap hit and injury history make teams cautious, but the 49ers remain open to a deal, hoping to capitalize on his past production. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are interested in Aiyuk, but no trade is imminent due to the 49ers’ leverage and Aiyuk’s contract concerns. The situation remains unresolved as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.