Brandon Aiyuk’s Situation with the San Francisco 49ers Remains Uncertain

Brandon Aiyuk’s status with the San Francisco 49ers continues to be uncertain as the team begins training camp. The 49ers have not provided any updates on Aiyuk, leaving the next move up to the wide receiver himself.

Aiyuk has been on the reserve/left squad list since the end of 2025. He missed the entire previous season due to a prolonged standoff with the team. To return in 2026, Aiyuk might need to apply to the NFL for reinstatement. Alternatively, he could report to training camp or inform the 49ers of his intention to do so. His relationship with the team has been strained for almost a year now.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks off the field after an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Oct. 10, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The tension escalated last July when the 49ers voided the remaining guaranteed money in his contract after he did not participate in rehab for his knee injuries. Aiyuk had a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee. He has made vague references to his future with the 49ers on social media, further fueling speculation around his situation.

Former NFL wide receiver Roddy White has been one of the latest figures to comment on Aiyuk’s position. I think this situation has been handled wrongly by the 49ers, White shared in an interview with Hard Rock Bet. They should’ve shown more patience with Aiyuk’s situation. They missed an opportunity by not getting him back on the field. When a player wants out, it’s hard to get compensation for him.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) warms up before an NFL game against Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on Sept. 3, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The 49ers recently brought back Deebo Samuel to address the void left by Ricky Pearsall’s knee injury. Deebo’s return appeared to prompt Aiyuk’s cryptic Instagram post, saying, San Fran wanna see a real reunion?

Aiyuk has also been vocal about the NFL Players Association, and expressed his interest to join the Commanders. However, that interest reportedly waned after he publicly criticized Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels later downplayed any tension, mentioning that they had handled everything privately. Aiyuk and Daniels were teammates in 2019 at Arizona State.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 16, 2022. (Brett Davis / USA TODAY Sports)

General manager John Lynch emphasized that the team is focusing on the players who are present at camp. I’m personally, and we as an organization, are going to focus on the players who are here, Lynch told reporters on July 25. We wish him well, we wish his family well.

Ricky Pearsall, initially viewed as a potential breakout receiver for the 49ers, encountered early setbacks due to knee issues. Swelling in his right knee’s PCL led to his placement on injured reserve on Aug. 1.

Aiyuk managed to appear in seven games in 2024 before his injury sidelined him. In the prior season, he delivered his best performance yet, tallying 1,342 receiving yards and receiving second-team All-Pro honors.