Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to receive a welcome back in San Francisco after a prolonged conflict with the 49ers and a series of actions that damaged his standing with the team.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that he does not expect Aiyuk to return. The 49ers have limited options at receiver, but the team is not planning to bring back the former All-Pro, despite Aiyuk’s claim that he is getting his life back on track.
“None. I have no expectation,” Shanahan said when asked about Aiyuk’s apparent change in direction. “I’ve kind of moved on with that mentally, and I’m doing kind of how I talked to you guys two months ago. Nothing’s really changed for me.”
Aiyuk filed for reinstatement to the NFL this week with his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and is due to report Friday. The 49ers, however, do not intend to keep him. General manager John Lynch had previously sounded less definite about a possible return, but Shanahan has maintained his position.
The relationship deteriorated over several months. Aiyuk and the team had a bitter contract dispute, he received a reckless-driving citation, and he stopped communicating with team medical staff during his injury rehabilitation.
After the 49ers voided future guarantees in his contract and sidelined him, Aiyuk lashed out on social media. He called the organization “stupid,” accused Lynch of arriving at his home without an invitation, and insulted members of the front office and coaching staff.
He also mocked Shanahan’s leadership and demeanor. Aiyuk faced particular criticism for posts that appeared to refer to Shanahan’s July car accident, including messages telling the coach to “stay in yo own lane” and saying, “you can’t win the race if you crash out.”
Before the dispute, Aiyuk was among San Francisco’s most productive offensive players. Drafted 25th overall in 2020, he became the team’s leading outside receiver and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in both 2022 and 2023. He had his best season in 2023, earning Second-Team All-Pro recognition with 1,342 yards and helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII. In five seasons with the team, he recorded 294 catches, 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Aiyuk’s contract runs through 2028, but the 49ers have already voided $27 million in guarantees. Releasing him would leave San Francisco with a $12.35 million dead-cap charge while allowing him to seek an opportunity with another team.
