49ers face roster decision on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco is expected to receive league approval to reinstate wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list. Once reinstated, the team will have to either add him to the active roster, trade him, or waive him. If Aiyuk fails a physical, the 49ers could place him on the reserve/non-football injury list, which would exempt his salary. A trade appears unlikely because his 2026 base salary is projected at $26.15 million, and any deal would likely require him to restructure his contract to near the league minimum. The simplest option would be to cut him, allowing him to sign with another team, though a post-deadline cut would subject him to waivers. Aiyuk has expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders, but the team’s interest remains unclear. The 49ers’ next move will determine whether they retain Aiyuk, attempt a trade, or release him.