Overview
- Aiyuk remains under contract with the San Francisco 49ers on the reserve/left‑squad list with his remaining guarantees voided and no pay, so the team retains his rights while he is not on the active roster.
- In early July Aiyuk posted repeated public attacks on Jayden Daniels that included an insult referencing Daniels’ mother, a string of posts that ended their social‑media ties and prompted Daniels to tell Aiyuk to “enjoy retirement.”
- NFL teams have largely pulled back from pursuing Aiyuk because he has not provided recent medical exams or on‑field proof of recovery from his 2024 knee injuries, and several clubs reportedly want behavioral assurances before engaging.
- The 49ers’ moves to void guarantees and use the reserve/left‑squad list preserve contractual leverage by pausing pay and making a straightforward release or trade more complicated without Aiyuk’s reinstatement or fresh medical access.
- Former players and commentators say Aiyuk’s conduct has damaged his market and could end his NFL prospects; the likeliest route back would require formal reinstatement, medical clearance, and a short, incentive‑heavy prove‑it deal rather than a trade for draft capital.