The Brandon Aiyuk era in San Francisco may be nearing its end, and ESPN insider Adam Schefter has a pretty clear idea of when it will happen.
Speaking on his podcast Monday, Schefter laid out a specific window for when he expects the 49ers to part ways with the wide receiver. Despite reports that the 49ers are in “no rush” to release Aiyuk, Schefter believes the team’s upcoming training camp is the likely flashpoint for any move around the receiver.
“I would imagine that when the 49ers get back and reconvene for training camp, right around there, I would think that they wind up releasing Brandon Aiyuk,” he said, “just flat out cutting him.”
San Francisco’s rookies are scheduled to report for training camp on July 18, with veterans following on July 25. Practice dates have not been officially announced, though they typically begin the day after veterans report, which would put the potential release window in the final days of July.
Schefter noted that the timing makes logistical sense given where the NFL calendar currently stands. Most teams are shut down for the offseason break, and front offices won’t be back in full operation until camp opens.
This also tracks with other reports around when the 49ers could finally move on from Aiyuk.
The context surrounding Aiyuk makes the situation more complicated. Schefter pointed out that Aiyuk — who remains under contract with San Francisco — has been publicly rooting for the Washington Commanders on social media, a nod to his desire to reunite with former Arizona State teammate Jaylen Daniels. The Commanders, meanwhile, are also in no rush to give up assets for him if they believe he’ll be available for free before the season.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Adam Schefter outlines timeline for 49ers to release Brandon Aiyuk
