Aiyuk Meets With 49ers to Work Out Departure

Aiyuk Seeks Reinstatement and Exit

Brandon Aiyuk arrived at the San Francisco 49ers business offices in Santa Clara on Friday afternoon. He was joined by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to meet with the team. The meeting aimed to start working out a path toward a split that has been building for more than two years.

Aiyuk spoke briefly to local media before entering the building. He said he feels great and healthy after a long recovery from a knee injury suffered against Kansas City on October 20, 2024. He tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee and has not played in a game since. Aiyuk stated that he is back to full health and wants to get reinstated to the league.

Financial Hurdles and Team Options

The wide receiver was placed on the reserve left team list in December after missing rehab check ins. The team had voided about 27 million dollars in remaining contract guarantees earlier in July 2025. Aiyuk then missed the offseason program and training camp.

Reinstatement requires approval, but financial issues remain. The 49ers want Aiyuk to repay about 13 million dollars in bonus money. The league informed Aiyuk this week that he must pay back those funds before he can be reinstated. Rosenhaus mentioned that Aiyuk is ready to work, though he did not comment on where the receiver might end up.

If an agreement is reached, San Francisco has three choices. Releasing him is the most likely outcome. The team prefers a trade before Tuesday deadline, but no partner has been found yet. Adding him to the 53 man roster is unlikely. General manager John Lynch said in January that Aiyuk had played his final snaps for the franchise.

Coach Shanahan Moves On

Head coach Kyle Shanahan did not take part in the Friday meeting. He made it clear during a press conference earlier in the day that he has no interest in a reunion.

Shanahan said he could not care less about the meeting. He stated that the situation has been over for the football team for a long time. The coach added that he gives zero thoughts to anything that does not involve the current squad during the season.

What it means for the next game

Las Vegas Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): San Francisco 49ers win 79%, Las Vegas Raiders win 21%; projected score San Francisco 49ers 30, Las Vegas Raiders 21. Our safest pick: 49ers to win. San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Dallas Cowboys win 36%, San Francisco 49ers win 64%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 25, San Francisco 49ers 29. Our safest pick: Over 46.5 points.