Brandon Aiyuk arrives at San Francisco 49ers' headquarters as questions remain about his future
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has returned to the Bay Area, appearing Friday outside the team's business offices alongside his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, as questions remain about his future with the organization.
Aiyuk, who has been away from the team for months, spoke publicly for the first time in a long period during what became a media gathering outside the offices.
"You know, feeling great, feeling healthy. It's a long recovery process. A long rehab process. But I'm back to 100% and looking to, get reinstated in the National Football League," Aiyuk said.
Rosenhaus declined to discuss where Aiyuk might play next.
"Don't really have any comment about, where he's going to play. We'll keep that between us and and the Niners, but, obviously, we're here with all the right intentions," Rosenhaus said.
Aiyuk has not played for the 49ers since 2024, when he tore multiple ligaments in his knee. Since then, the relationship between the player and the team has been strained.
At one point this year, Aiyuk said of those upset with the situation: "You want to know why they're really mad, though? They're mad because they're stupid. They're dumb."
The comments were related to $48 million Aiyuk says the 49ers regret paying him before his injury and another $27 million in guarantees the team voided after he stopped reporting for rehabilitation sessions.
According to The Associated Press, a reinstatement could allow Aiyuk to be released and join another team. However, the report said he would need to repay the 49ers $13 million in forfeited bonuses.
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There is also an outstanding arrest warrant for Aiyuk from the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office after a video he posted showed him driving more than 90 mph past Levi's Stadium. Neither police nor the district attorney's office commented Friday.
While Aiyuk's status remains unresolved, several teammates and coaches appeared unenthused about the possibility of his return.
"Could care less," Head Coach Kyle Shanahan said when asked about the situation before Aiyuk arrived. "It's been over for our football team for a long time, so now I don't hear much of questions about them Friday, but it's not too big of a deal for me to answer."
"Yeah you know, I don't know if I really have anything to say about it - I'll kind of let that work itself out," Linebacker Fred Warner said.
When asked whether Aiyuk would enter the facility, Tight End George Kittle said.: "Plead the fifth."
Others expressed support for Aiyuk while emphasizing their focus on the season.
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"Not really sure what the whole situation is and stuff - that's out of my control. But, you know, if I saw him at it would be nothing but love for me," Quarterback Brock Purdy said.
"I'll dap him up. No hard feelings between me and him," Defensive End Nick Bosa said.
Left Tackle Trent Williams added: "I haven't talked to him. But, you know, obviously, Aiyuk and I are family. We're just focused on the Raiders."
Whether Aiyuk rejoins the team remains unclear. It appeared likely that some form of agreement was discussed during Friday's meeting, though no resolution was announced.
