The San Francisco 49ers have indicated that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his final snap with the team. From all accounts, no one inside the organization expects the veteran pass-catcher to suit up in red and gold again.
The 49ers are widely expected to release Aiyuk at some point this offseason, though they have been holding onto him in hopes that a receiver-needy team might offer something in return for the disgruntled player.
While a return to San Francisco in 2026 seems unlikely after Aiyuk's relationship with the team deteriorated to the point of no communication, 49ers owner Jed York did not completely close the door on the possibility.
The 49ers had hoped Aiyuk could contribute during the 2025 season following his recovery from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in 2024—soon after signing a four-year, $120 million extension with the team. That never materialized.
"He got hurt after he got paid, and I hope he gets back healthy," York said. "... Our job is to build a culture, and our job is to make sure that we bring talent into the building. B.A. is a very talented guy.
"I'd love to be able to bring him back into the fold, and if not, I think he's a valuable asset that other people would want. And we're going to make sure that we get value and we bring talent into our building."
When asked about the possibility of Aiyuk remaining with the 49ers, York added, "I think anything's possible. We want to make sure that we have as talented of a roster as possible. First and foremost, he needs to get healthy and be able to perform. I think once that happens, he's a really, really good football player."
Is Aiyuk healthy at this point? York admitted he doesn't know, highlighting the lack of communication with the receiver.
"I haven't seen him, I have no idea," he said.
York also addressed whether expressing openness to mending the relationship with Aiyuk boosts any trade leverage. The owner pushed back on that idea.
"I don't think it helps your trade leverage," York said. "It's just he's a good football player. I think we've paid him more millions of dollars than snaps that he's had, right? I would like to see him play for us. We paid him for a reason. I think he's a really good football player.
"And when you look at the group of people that is there, especially adding guys like Mike [Evans] and Christian [Kirk], who are legit veteran people, that's a room that can absorb somebody that has had a tough go with our franchise for the last year or so.
"So again, I think we're making sure that room is what it needs to be, and if B.A. is a part of that room, we're going to be more talented, and I have no problem with that. I hope he's doing well personally, and I hope I get to see him soon."
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