Kyle Shanahan on Brandon Aiyuk: 'I've Kind of Moved On'
The 49ers coach says he has no expectation for the receiver, who could report to the team Friday
Kyle Shanahan isn't waiting on Brandon Aiyuk. Asked Wednesday what he expects from the receiver, who could report to the 49ers' facility as soon as Friday, the head coach didn't leave much room.
"None. I have no expectation. I've kind of moved on with that mentally," Shanahan said, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
It lines up with what Shanahan said in September, when he made clear Aiyuk was no longer an option for the team. Nothing about the last few days has changed his tone, even as Aiyuk has pushed hard to get back on the field.
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan asked of his expectation for WR Brandon Aiyuk: “None. I have no expectation. I’ve kind of moved on with that mentally.” Reiterates what he said in September, that Aiyuk is not an option for the team anymore.View on X →
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo): #49ers HC Kyle Shanahan asked of his expectation for WR Brandon Aiyuk: “None. I have no expectation. I’ve kind of moved on with that mentally.” Reiterates what he said in September, that Aiyuk is not an option for the team anymore.
That push started when Aiyuk hired Drew Rosenhaus, and it moved forward this week when he filed his reinstatement paperwork with plans to report Friday afternoon. He's on San Francisco's reserve/left squad list, and once he officially reports, the 49ers can't turn him away. Their choices are to keep him under his current deal, release him, or trade him.
Shanahan's comments make the first option look like the least likely. The relationship broke down after Aiyuk tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee on Oct. 20, 2024, against the Chiefs. In July 2025 the 49ers voided roughly $27 million in guaranteed money over missed rehab sessions and check-ins, and he didn't report to camp this summer.
The clock matters. The trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 10, so if San Francisco wants anything back for Aiyuk, it has only a few days after he reports to find a partner. Otherwise a release would make him a mid-season free agent.