Most San Francisco 49ers fans may have forgotten about Brandon Aiyuk until NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco asked general manager John Lynch about the wide receiver this week.
Lynch's comments suggest the 49ers aren't thinking much about Aiyuk either, despite the disgruntled receiver officially remaining on the team's reserve/left squad list.
"He's on the reserve/left squad list, and as such, he's just kind of not on our roster, so that's where that's at," Lynch said.
Aiyuk wants to join another NFL team. However, he must first file for reinstatement with the league and report to the 49ers. Doing so would force San Francisco to make a move, likely releasing Aiyuk, which is his desired outcome. Aiyuk, however, has refused to file for reinstatement, effectively putting his NFL career on hold.
Aiyuk has also been highly critical of the 49ers this offseason, posting bizarre comments on social media. His actions have reflected poorly on him and have seemingly damaged his reputation in the NFL.
Former 49ers tight end Vernon Davis recently offered harsh criticism of Aiyuk, saying the wide receiver has handled his situation poorly.
"I think Brandon Aiyuk needs to stay out of the media, be quiet, and do what he has to do," Davis told Kyle Odegard of Casino.ca. "He's only hurting himself. Buddy, you are not bigger than the NFL. There was once upon a time when I was trying to hold out and demand more money. I realized quickly I (wasn't bigger than the NFL).
"I know his situation is more about him getting on the right team. The money is already there. It's about finding that team, and for him to do that, he's going to have to be quiet. Sit in the back seat, put a zip on his mouth, and be quiet. Play the game of football, man. Everybody knows you can play. Just play. Get on a team, be quiet, and play."
49ers legend Vernon Davis told me Brandon Aiyuk has to stay off social media and be quiet if he wants to play somewhere this season.https://t.co/2tGFqurlhU pic.twitter.com/jpc4saFciY
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) September 2, 2026
Some believe Aiyuk may not play in the NFL this year because he has refused to take the necessary steps to make himself available to another team. Davis was asked whether it is too late for Aiyuk to return to the football field in 2026.
"I don't think it's too late," Davis admitted. "I think he can go into an organization, be effective, and be a good locker room guy. From what I hear about him, I don't think he's a bad person. I don't think he's a cancer in the locker room. I just think he's making some noise, and he's becoming part of the outside (distraction). He's becoming the noise."
Aiyuk last played in the NFL in 2024, appearing in seven games before suffering an ACL injury. The 49ers selected him with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
For now, Aiyuk's NFL future remains uncertain. His refusal to file for reinstatement has left him in limbo, while his public criticism of the 49ers has drawn additional scrutiny from many, including Davis.
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