San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch isn’t closing the door on Brandon Aiyuk, even if the whole situation around the wide receiver has become anything but ordinary.
Speaking during a radio appearance on KNBR, Lynch described the Aiyuk matter as something without a clear blueprint. As transcribed by ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, he said the team is still working through it with the NFL Management Council.
“This is kind of a unique situation, not one you have, so there’s really no playbook. But I always go back to what’s my charge, what’s my job?
My job is to look out for the best interest of the 49ers. And as such, in this particular situation, we’re working with the NFL Management Council to navigate through a different situation.
And so it’s fluid,” Lynch said.
When the possibility of Aiyuk returning came up, Lynch didn’t shut it down.
“Yeah, of course. I think everything’s possible.”
Aiyuk, a first-round pick by San Francisco in 2020, has not played in the NFL since tearing his ACL and MCL in 2024. The 49ers voided his 2026 contract in July 2025 after he missed rehab sessions and team check-ins. He was later placed on the reserve/left squad list in December.
Last week, Aiyuk hired agent Drew Rosenhaus with the goal of getting reinstated to the NFL.
The 49ers could certainly use help at receiver with Mike Evans sidelined by an Achilles injury, but Lynch also has to weigh the chemistry of a 6-1 team that has already found its rhythm. Given how badly Aiyuk’s first run with the club ended, this is a situation the 49ers will handle carefully.
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