Brandon Aiyuk Could Be Forced to Pay 49ers Millions Before He Can Return

Newsweek · TJ Macias · 2026-11-06 03:44 UTC

Looks like there’s a little tab left to be paid.

As the football world anticipates a really “well, this is awkward” situation at San Francisco 49ers headquarters come Friday when wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk files for reinstatement, the NFL Management Council is working to “navigate” through the situation, 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Thursday.

Aiyuk has been inactive for two years after suffering a knee injury in 2024 that ended his season with San Francisco. After being put on the reserve/left squad list in December of 2025, Aiyuk vowed to never return to the Niners over the summer. Well, that didn’t last long.

Now, it looks like there’s a balance to be paid before the veteran is allowed to return.

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