Brandon Aiyuk news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
49ers left WR Brandon Aiyuk on the reserved/left squad list as they cut to 53 players.
He must apply for reinstatement before the team has to act, so his NFL.
Background
Aiyuk spent the summer making noise to force a move to the Washington Commanders, but nothing came of it, and the Commanders instead signed Stefon Diggs during training camp. The 49ers, preparing in Australia for a Sept. 10 Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams, kept him on the reserved/left squad list rather than making a move. Reports say he burned bridges in San Francisco by not rehabbing as expected and by criticizing the team on social media. Until he applies for reinstatement and returns to the facility, the team has no obligation to act.
How it unfolded
- early summer 2026Aiyuk made noise to force a move to the Washington Commanders, but it led to nothing.
- training camp 2026The Commanders signed Stefon Diggs, further dimming Aiyuk's preferred destination.
- roster cutdown 2026The 49ers trimmed to 53 players and left Aiyuk on the reserved/left squad list.
- Sep 4, 2026Terrell Owens issued stern advice to Aiyuk, with the 49ers already in Australia for Week 1.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox proposed a trade sending Aiyuk to the Houston Texans for a conditional draft pick.
- Expert
- Former 49ers wideout Terrell Owens gave stern advice to Aiyuk on getting his NFL career back on track.
- Expert
- Former 49ers tight end Vernon Davis advised Aiyuk to keep his mouth shut to get back on the field.
Still unverified
Reports that Aiyuk did not rehab the way he was supposed to and that he burned all bridges with the 49ers; speculation about his mental state and whether anyone is advising him; trade pitches linking him to the Texans or other teams.