49ers Owner Envisions Path for Brandon Aiyuk's Return

York suggests Aiyuk could rejoin 49ers' revamped receiving corps after missing 2025 season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a 49ers football game or practice, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's red and gold colors, conveying the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the team's receiving corps.The 49ers' receiving corps faces an uncertain future as the team weighs bringing back the talented but troubled Brandon Aiyuk.Phoenix Today

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York hinted that the team could keep wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk rather than trade or release him, despite Aiyuk's absence from the team for much of the 2025 season. York said Aiyuk is a 'good football player' and that the 49ers' new-look receiving corps, which includes free agent additions Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, could 'absorb' Aiyuk if he proves he is healthy and capable of playing.

Why it matters

Aiyuk was a key part of the 49ers' offense in recent seasons, forming a productive trio with Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. His mysterious departure from the team in 2025 raised questions about his future, but York's comments suggest the 49ers may be willing to give Aiyuk another chance if he can get healthy and regain his form.

The details

Aiyuk has not played since suffering a knee injury in October 2024. After forfeiting $27 million in guaranteed money for 2026 due to reportedly failing to follow the 49ers' rehabilitation plan, Aiyuk disappeared from the team's facilities and was placed on the reserve/left squad list in December 2025. Prior to his absence, Aiyuk had produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and signed a lucrative contract extension with the 49ers.

  • In October 2024, Aiyuk suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
  • In August 2024, Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers.
  • In September 2025, Aiyuk forfeited $27 million in guaranteed money for 2026 due to reportedly failing to follow the 49ers' rehabilitation plan.
  • In December 2025, Aiyuk was placed on the reserve/left squad list after disappearing from the team's facilities.

The players

Jed York

The owner of the San Francisco 49ers.

Brandon Aiyuk

A former top wide receiver for the 49ers who last played in 2024 before missing the 2025 season due to injury and a dispute with the team.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who the 49ers signed in free agency this offseason.

Christian Kirk

A veteran wide receiver who the 49ers signed in free agency this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't think it helps your trade leverage. It's just, he's a good football player. We paid him. I think we've paid him more millions of dollars in snaps that the's had. I would like to see him play for us.”

— Jed York, 49ers Owner

“We had three guys who kind of ran that position for almost five years, between BA, Deebo and Jauan. It took us three years to get Deebo going in 19, BA in '20 and Jauan in '21. We kind of rode with those three for a while and had a hell of a ride with those guys.”

— Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach

“Love the guys we have in our group. We do have young guys who are tyring to show they can stay healthy and play in this league, guy that I know that will, but they haven't fully done it yet. To add some other guys that have done it makes for a good combination.”

— Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach

What’s next

The 49ers will monitor Aiyuk's progress and health during the offseason to determine if he can be part of their revamped receiving corps in 2026.

The takeaway

The 49ers' willingness to potentially bring back Aiyuk shows their commitment to giving talented players a second chance, even after a tumultuous season. However, Aiyuk will need to prove he is healthy and capable of contributing before the team fully welcomes him back.