Nick Wagoner on Brandon Aiyuk’s Future: Trade or Release?

Brandon Aiyuk has taken the first step toward returning to the NFL, leaving the San Francisco 49ers with a decision to make before the trade deadline: try to trade him or release him.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner believes a release is the likeliest outcome, though a team could still make an offer. The NFL deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 1 pm PT.

Wagoner joined Kayla Anderson and Greg Silver on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show to discuss the wide receiver’s status. Aiyuk last played in October 2024, when he tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee.

After a standoff with the 49ers, he was placed on the reserve/left squad list. The team voided roughly $27 million in guaranteed money after he missed required rehab sessions and check-ins.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk

Wagoner described the reinstatement process as “procedural stuff” and said the latest move answers one key question: “Does Brandon Aiyuk want to play football again?”

With the paperwork filed and Drew Rosenhaus representing him, the next decision falls to San Francisco.

“I think ultimately this ends in Brandon Aiyuk’s release,” Wagoner said. He left room for a trade, though, saying a desperate team might offer “a pick swap or something like that.” Aiyuk has not played in more than two years, making his health and readiness difficult for any potential trade partner to assess.

The Kansas City Chiefs stood out to Wagoner as a possible fit because they need receiver help and have taken chances on players with question marks. The Seattle Seahawks could also use help at the position, but Wagoner said the 49ers would prefer to keep Aiyuk away from a division rival.

That preference may have limits. “You can’t just have him come back and then hold him hostage more,” Wagoner said, adding that San Francisco needs roster flexibility and won’t keep a spot for Aiyuk if he is not going to play.

A release would let Aiyuk pursue a return elsewhere, while a trade could give the 49ers something in return.

With the deadline approaching, the team has little time to determine whether another club is willing to take a chance before Brandon Aiyuk’s reinstatement moves forward.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ Matt George and Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Nick Bosa’s potential return could reshape 49ers’ defense

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