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San Francisco 49ers coach shuts down reunion talks as Brandon Aiyuk seeks NFL reinstatement
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan says he has no expectation that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will return, closing the door on a reunion as Aiyuk seeks NFL reinstatement. The decision leaves the former All-Pro facing a move elsewhere, despite the team’s depleted receiving group.
Aiyuk filed for reinstatement this week with new agent Drew Rosenhaus and is due to report on Friday. His relationship with the 49ers deteriorated after a contract dispute, a speeding citation, missed contact with medical staff during rehabilitation and public criticism of team figures. San Francisco voided his future guarantees; releasing him would leave a $12.35 million dead-cap charge. Aiyuk had 4,305 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in five seasons, including 1,342 yards in 2023.
In short
- Shanahan says the 49ers have moved on from Aiyuk.
- Aiyuk has sought reinstatement and is due to report Friday.
- Releasing him would leave San Francisco a $12.35 million dead-cap hit.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Shanahan may reasonably conclude that trust and communication have deteriorated too far for a productive return, especially after missed contact during rehabilitation and public criticism of team figures. Moving on could give the 49ers clarity over roles and expectations, even with a depleted receiving group, while avoiding the risk of renewing a strained relationship.
The case against
A reunion could still make sense because Aiyuk has a strong record, including a 1,342-yard season, and the team needs receiving options. Reinstatement may offer a chance to rebuild trust through clear expectations, while keeping a proven player could be preferable to absorbing a substantial dead-cap charge and finding a replacement.