Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the San Francisco 49ers, even though he is still technically a member of the organization. Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Arizona State product was once one of the game’s better young receivers and an efficient leader of San Francisco’s passing attack. A perfect fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, Aiyuk helped San Francisco make the Super Bowl with a dominant 2023, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns while earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.
This impressive season earned him a four-year, $120 million contract, but this proved to be a poor investment. The wide receiver played in just seven games in 2024, recording 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns on 47 targets before suffering a season-ending injury. He then went off the deep end, abandoning the team in 2025, missing his rehab appointments, and effectively demanding his release. The 49ers will grant that request before long, and Brandon Aiyuk has made it clear that he wants to join the Washington Commanders and reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, as the two played together in college. However, that probably won’t happen, as former NFL defensive back Donte Whitner recently said Aiyuk has likely played his last down in the NFL.
“I thought he should’ve just shut his mouth, he should’ve just worked, he should’ve showed up, even if he had disdain for the front office and the players and the coaches,” Whitner said. “…I truly believe he’s played his last down in the NFL.”
Brandon Aiyuk May Have Played His Last NFL Snap
It’s hard to argue against Donte Whitner on this one. While Brandon Aiyuk was once a great player, he missed the entire 2025 season, wasn’t particularly good in 2024, and hasn’t come close to justifying his massive extension. Players like Aiyuk who disappoint on a massive contract can often earn a one-year, prove-it deal with another organization (see: Murray, Kyler), but the wide receiver’s off-field antics will likely make him more trouble than he’s worth.
While the Commanders were tied to Brandon Aiyuk throughout the offseason, it’s hard to envision a signing occurring after the current 49er made an Instagram post that, among other things, insulted Jayden Daniels’ mother. With no other obvious fits, Aiyuk might be done playing football at the professional level.
