What happened: Brandon Aiyuk plans to play this season and prefers to join a team with familiar coaches, according to his agent. San Francisco reinstated the wide receiver from the reserve/left squad list Monday under a two-week roster exemption.
Why it matters: Aiyuk faces roughly $13 million in bonus forfeiture following his prolonged contract dispute. San Francisco holds a 7-1 record and recently acquired veteran receiver Keenan Allen, increasing the likelihood of parting ways with Aiyuk before his exemption window closes.
By the numbers: Aiyuk caught 25 passes for 374 yards in 7 games last season (2024) with the 49ers.
What to watch: San Francisco must activate, trade, or release Aiyuk before his two-week roster exemption expires.