John Lynch has made it clear wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap for the 49ers.

But, there still are some questions on exactly how the team will end its relationship with the disgruntled Aiyuk, who had his guarantees voided during the 2025 NFL season due to infractions over the offseason last year.

According to Lynch, San Francisco plans on making an Aiyuk move — likely his release — once the new league year begins on March 11, but if there is some interest from other teams, then a trade also is a possible option.

“I think nothing will happen until the new league year starts and then when it happens, kind of semantics, but that’s when something could happen there,” Lynch told reporters during his press conference Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“The league year is — it’s the first time that we would do something,” Lynch clarified later in a scrum with Bay Area reporters. “We’re here [at the combine], and maybe somebody comes up and has some interest. So I think we’ll keep that thing open for the time being.”

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension in August 2024, following a career year in 2023 with 75 receptions, 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

The 27-year-old played in seven games during the 2024 season before suffering a torn right ACL and MCL in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Aiyuk attended the 49ers’ training camp and seemed to have been engaged while recovering, but then communication between the two sides suddenly stopped, leaving Lynch, coach Kyle Shanahan, and the wide receiver’s teammates confused about the matter.

The 6-foot, 200-pound wide receiver never stepped foot on the field during the 2025 NFL season.

 “I think it’s safe to say he’s played his last snap with the Niners,” Lynch told reporters on Jan. 21.

“It’s an unfortunate situation that just went awry. I will look long and hard at what could have been done differently, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out, and this was the case where that happened.”

Whether he gets released or traded, it remains certain that Aiyuk will never suit up for the 49ers ever again.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast