SANTA CLARA — The news that Brandon Aiyuk could be reporting to 49ers headquarters on Friday has not altered the team’s weekly plan for coach Kyle Shanahan.
“I believe [the front office] talked to his agent,” Shanahan said. “I have no expectation. Kind of moved along with that mentally. Nothing has really changed for me.”
The long-estranged wide receiver reportedly has filed paperwork to be reinstated through new agent Drew Rosenhaus in order to play in the league this season. Shanahan believes Aiyuk might need to be present to begin the process.
The relationship between the team and Aiyuk first was strained when the wideout went through a very public contract “hold-in.” The contentious contract negotiations led to a four-year, $120 million extension, which seemed to be a move in the right direction at the time.
Aiyuk has not played in an NFL game since suffering a catastrophic knee injury on October 20, 2024. The 49ers had hoped he would return until July 2025, when the receiver failed to report to the facility ahead of the start of training camp.
San Francisco voided the guarantees left on Aiyuk’s contract, and several months later in October, Aiyuk essentially disappeared from the facility, only occasionally being seen by teammates and media members.
Over four and a half seasons with the 49ers, Aiyuk recorded 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns and received second-team All-Pro honors for his 2023 campaign.
When asked point-blank if he ever could see Aiyuk play again for the 49ers, Shanahan did not completely eliminate the possibility.
“There’s no absolutes in life,” Shanahan said.
