Brandon Aiyuk's latest admission could mean he's not playing in 2026

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk released another video in which he criticized his current team and mentioned the team he hopes to play for in the future.

Yes, on Saturday, Aiyuk released yet another video on YouTube, this time explaining a bit why he is at odds with the 49ers. He used an interesting choice of words in describing some of San Francisco’s management as “weirdos or creepy predators.” He would not mention general manager John Lynch or head coach Kyle Shanahan by name. Aiyuk indicated that his agent — now his former agent, according to him — was a major issue before he fired him.

And yes, Aiyuk referred to the Washington Commanders again. And, in doing so, seemed to indicate he is OK with not playing at all in 2026.

“I don’t care how long I gotta wait to get to you, my baby (holding a Commanders football),” Aiyuk said before indicating that he will not give in to the 49ers, even if it means he has to wait.

Here’s the full video, which is 3 minutes and 33 seconds long:

But perhaps the most interesting part of Aiyuk’s latest video was the final few seconds when he delivered this message.

“I will never be stepping in that (49ers) building, except for on Oct. 19 when I come through with that m———–g belt.”

Why Oct. 19? That’s when the Commanders travel across the country to play the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

So, did Aiyuk just tell everyone he will not report to the 49ers for training camp next month? Does he not realize that if he does, he can help end this standoff? By reporting to camp and passing a physical that would clear him for practice, the 49ers would have no choice but to either allow him to practice and risk an injury or cut him. Lynch has already stated that Aiyuk had likely played his last down in San Francisco.

Why wouldn’t Aiyuk want to end this as soon as possible if he wants to play for Washington? Of course, that doesn’t mean the Commanders want him. At one time, it seemed obvious the two sides would work together, but the longer this drags on, Washington could be having second thoughts.

Let’s remember that Washington GM Adam Peters worked in San Francisco for seven years before taking over the Commanders in 2024. He was close with Lynch and Shanahan. So, while quarterback Jayden Daniels would clearly stick up for Aiyuk, Peters may now be hesitant.

Some NFL insiders believe the 49ers will cut Aiyuk soon. While San Francisco has been unwilling to give in to Aiyuk, you just need to move past the distraction at some point.

It’s worth noting that Aiyuk, who is currently on the reserve/left squad list, has yet to file for reinstatement. Shouldn’t he have done that already? He is making it easier on San Francisco by not applying for reinstatement. If Aiyuk does not play in 2026, that would mean he has missed 2.5 seasons. That’s not ideal.

If Lynch doesn’t cut Aiyuk sometime before the next month and he doesn’t show up for camp, this saga could continue for a while.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Brandon Aiyuk’s latest admission could mean he’s not playing in 2026