Brandon Aiyuk fantasy 2025: undraftable, avoid him
By FF Beacon
This story was written by FF Beacon's automated news desk. Michael built the desk and oversees it.
Updated
Brandon Aiyuk is effectively out of the picture for the 2025 season, and the San Francisco 49ers are not pretending otherwise.
GM John Lynch spoke to reporters at training camp Saturday in Santa Clara and made the team's position plain: 'I'm personally, and we as an organization, are going to focus on the players who are here. We wish him well, we wish his family well.'
How Aiyuk ended up on the left squad list
Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers, has not played since tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee in Week 7 of the 2024 season. He declined to rehab the injury with the team, the 49ers voided the remaining guarantees on his contract, and San Francisco placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December. That list lets the team hold his rights without paying him.
In January, Lynch said Aiyuk will never play for the 49ers again. No formal roster move has followed. Aiyuk is not on the 49ers' 90-man roster, and Lynch declined to comment further on the situation Saturday.
What reinstatement requires
To get off the left squad list, Aiyuk must apply to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and file the appropriate paperwork. He has said publicly he refuses to do 'any business' with the club and will not start that process. As of the most recent reporting from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he has not done so.
Aiyuk has also run a public social media campaign expressing interest in joining the Washington Commanders. He alleged in a late June video that Lynch made an unwanted visit to his home. ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that Aiyuk's public comments may have discouraged potential trade partners, including Washington.
Should you draft Brandon Aiyuk in 2025 fantasy leagues?
No. He is not on any active roster, he cannot play until he applies for reinstatement, and there is no timetable for resolution. The 49ers hold his rights indefinitely as long as he stays on the left squad list. Until he files for reinstatement or San Francisco makes a formal move, leave him off your board entirely.