Overview
- San Francisco finalized its initial 2026 roster and reassigned Aiyuk’s No. 11 to veteran receiver Demarcus Robinson, a visible sign of separation.
- Brandon Aiyuk remains on the 49ers’ Reserve/Left Squad list, which means he does not occupy an active roster spot and is not being paid by the team.
- Because of that Reserve/Left Squad designation, Aiyuk is not owed the scheduled option bonus tied to his 2024 extension that would have been payable on Sept. 1.
- Aiyuk has publicly said he will not seek reinstatement and has asked to be released so he can sign elsewhere, and the 49ers have kept his contractual rights instead of granting that request.
- The current stalemate leaves the 49ers controlling Aiyuk’s contract while blocking him from signing with another club unless they release him or he applies for reinstatement, a situation that could determine his near-term career and pay.