As the football world anticipates a really “well, this is awkward” situation at San Francisco 49ers headquarters come Friday when wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk files for reinstatement, the NFL Management Council is working to “navigate” through the situation, 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Thursday. Aiyuk has been inactive for two years after suffering a knee injury in 2024 that ended his season with San Francisco. After being put on the reserve/left squad list in December of 2025, Aiyuk vowed to never return to the Niners over the summer.
Well, that didn’t last long. Now, it looks like there’s a balance to be paid before the veteran is allowed to return. The sides could reach an agreement to pay back the money, or it could go to arbitration.
But it’s complicated and may take time to resolve.” Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday that he had “no expectation” for an Aiyuk return and had “moved on with that mentally,” The Mercury News reported. Players had mixed reactions to a potential return. You can ask John or Kyle.
Don’t ask me, I’m a conspiracy guy. I plead the fifth.” Left tackle Trent Williams took a different side. We’re just focused on the Raiders.
If he comes in, I’d be happy to see him, but that’s out of our hands.”
Extract — continue reading at the source.
