For months, it seemed as if fans had nearly forgotten about disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, particularly after he chose to alienate himself from the San Francisco 49ers after they placed him on the reserve/left squad list a season ago.
Aside from the occasional social media post here and there, Aiyuk has turned into a distant memory.
Perhaps that'll soon change, however.
According to Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz, the receiver is "close to hiring new representatives in an effort to get back to the NFL and on a team:"
Sources: #49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk is close to hiring new representatives in an effort to get back to the NFL and on a team.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 2, 2026
San Francisco holds his rights and Aiyuk needs to file for reinstatement. pic.twitter.com/jaGMWnjnmy
Of course, there are still plenty of obstacles in the way of Aiyuk's return to the league. As Schultz pointed out, the 2020 first-round draftee still needs to file for reinstatement, yet Aiyuk publicly stated he'd never do business with the Niners again—a must, if he actually wants to play in the NFL, though. And it's fair to wonder what kind of advice and representation he was getting beforehand, prior to firing his previous agent last offseason.
Plus, he has to convince at least one of the 31 other clubs he's worthy of attention, not just because of his odd social media antics but also in light of the fact he hasn't stepped foot on a field since October of 2024, over two years ago.
Maybe, though, the timeline winds up working out in everyone's favor.
And, yes, that'd be ironic.
Could Brandon Aiyuk's latest move finally prompt 49ers to trade him?
San Francisco feebily tried trading Aiyuk last offseason amid the chaos between team and player, yet no would-be suitors seriously emerged.
But the 49ers still hold Aiyuk's rights, meaning if he files for reinstatement in time, they once again can explore the market ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline to see if there may be a team or two willing to take a chance on the controversial receiver.
And, no. Despite their own receiver shortages, the 49ers won't be looking to mend the burned bridge with him.
Sure, the Niners would receive next to nothing in return from a trade, perhaps a mere seventh-round draft pick for a team desperate for receiving help to ensure Aiyuk lands there and nowhere else. Plus, contractual complications and passing physicals would muddy the proverbial waters even more.
Still, it sure would be provocative if San Francisco was somehow able to move Aiyuk outright via trade after everything that has transpired up to this point.
At least, as it appears from Schultz, Aiyuk is close to checking off one box toward making that possibility happen.
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