The Brandon Aiyuk saga with the San Francisco 49ers seems to be headed toward one inevitable outcome, with the only remaining uncertainty being when the two sides will officially part ways.
Their relationship continues to worsen, leaving little optimism that the situation can be repaired, and former Cincinnati Bengals star T.J. Houshmandzadeh placed the blame for the ongoing fallout squarely on Aiyuk.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh Explains Why 49ers Owe Brandon Aiyuk Nothing
Aiyuk remains on the 49ers’ reserve/left squad list, having held that designation since December. He is currently ineligible to practice or play in the NFL, with 49ers general manager John Lynch also confirming that his status is unchanged.
Meanwhile, Aiyuk’s online jab at the 49ers continues making headlines. From taking shots at the organization and head coach Kyle Shanahan to expressing frustration with the NFL Players Association, his public comments have only fueled more backlash, leaving fewer people willing to side with him.
Houshmandzadeh also made it clear he has little sympathy for those defending Aiyuk.
“Am I tripping when I see people say he is not at fault? What the [expletive] are they listening to? Houshmandzadeh said on the “Speakeasy” podcast. “They really believe that when they say that, ‘Oh, I feel sorry for him, oh, the 49ers have wronged him.’ Really?
“What are y’all watching and listening to? There’s no way. Maybe I’m just different because if you do me dirty, I’m trying to do you dirtier. That’s just me.”
“‘The 49ers have wronged him?’ WHAT THE F*CK ARE THEY LISTENING TO!?!”
– @housh84 on Brandon Aiyuk not reinstating to get cut by the 49ers
JOIN THE CONVO HERE ⬇️ https://t.co/l8cjKs0qQR pic.twitter.com/8DkYeecC2Y
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) August 6, 2026
Houshmandzadeh previously served as Aiyuk’s personal offseason trainer and spent significant time with him during his contract dispute. However, Houshmandzadeh isn’t supporting what Aiyuk is doing now, saying earlier that he never witnessed this side of the 49ers receiver when they worked together.
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Aiyuk himself doesn’t seem bothered by his situation and has taken no steps toward resolving the situation. He currently does not count against San Francisco’s 90-man roster or salary cap, but the next move is entirely up to him.
Before anything else, he must apply to the NFL for reinstatement.
Aiyuk could pressure the 49ers into making a decision by reporting to training camp or informing the team that he intends to return. However, he has remained inactive, leading many to question whether he even wants to continue his NFL career.
Houshmandzadeh believes that uncertainty justifies the 49ers’ firm stance.
“You don’t show up, you start doing this, you start doing that. They hold your rights. Why would they do you a favor when, in essence, they are looking at it as if you [expletive] them over? You can rectify it. Reinstatement and show up.”
Some believe Aiyuk could have ended up with the Washington Commanders had he handled his departure from San Francisco differently and avoided his online brawl. His actions may have hurt his chances, and Washington also seems reluctant to take risks.
The situation seems even more telling given that Washington ultimately chose to sign Stefon Diggs despite his own off-field scrutiny.
