49ers Move On From Brandon Aiyuk at Training Camp
49ers Move On From Brandon Aiyuk at Training Camp
The San Francisco 49ers opened training camp Saturday in Santa Clara and GM John Lynch made it clear the team is not waiting around for Brandon Aiyuk to sort out his situation.
"I'm personally, and we as an organization, are going to focus on the players who are here," Lynch told reporters. "We wish him well, we wish his family well."
Aiyuk is not on the 49ers' 90-man roster and remains on the reserve/left squad list, where San Francisco can hold his rights without paying him. Lynch declined to comment further on the ongoing situation.
How Aiyuk Got Here
Aiyuk has not played since tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee in Week 7 of the 2024 season. The 49ers voided the remaining guarantees on his contract earlier in the year after Aiyuk declined to rehab the injury with the team, then placed him on the left squad list in December.
Aiyuk has said publicly he refuses to do "any business" with the club and will not initiate the reinstatement process. To get off the left squad list, he must apply to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and file the appropriate paperwork. As of the latest 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, and he alleged in a late June video that Lynch made an unwanted visit to his home. ESPN's Adam Schefter has noted that Aiyuk's public comments may have discouraged potential trade partners, including Washington.
Lynch said in January that Aiyuk will never play for the 49ers again, but no formal roster move has been made.
Fantasy Outlook
Aiyuk is undraftable in 2025 fantasy leagues. He is not on any active roster, cannot play for any team until he applies for reinstatement, and there is no timetable for resolution. The 49ers hold his rights indefinitely as long as he sits on the left squad list, and there is no indication that either side is moving toward a resolution. Avoid him entirely until something concrete changes.