As 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk attempts to lay the groundwork for a return to the NFL, at least one other 49ers player has expressed skepticism about Aiyuk’s plan. His new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has said Aiyuk will report to the 49ers facility on Friday. Tight end George Kittle shared his thoughts on that strategy Thursday when asked if he was looking forward to seeing Aiyuk. “Do you think I’ll enter the facility?” Kittle said, via Grant Cohn of SI.com. Kittle was then asked if he believes Aiyuk enters the facility. “Defend the fifth,” Kittle said. “Yes. You can ask [G.M.] John [Lynch]. EITHER [coach] kyle [Shanahan]. Don’t ask me. I’m a conspiratorial guy.” “Is there a conspiracy?” Kittle was asked. “Defend the fifth,” he said. Kittle’s skepticism is justified. The whole situation is strange and uncomfortable. Aiyuk clearly hopes to trigger his full release by showing up for work, after months of making it clear he had no intention of doing so. The 49ers are mulling over the situation, for now. Before the team has to do anything, Aiyuk needs to check off the various boxes that put the 49ers in a position that requires a decision. Of all the potential outcomes, the least likely is Aiyuk being welcomed back to the roster. Especially since Aiyuk probably doesn’t want to be on the list. He wants his freedom and finally, after months of stubbornness, he has begun the process aimed at achieving it. While the 49ers may be seeking a tough outcome that involves preventing him from becoming a free agent while also avoiding putting him back on the team, the chances of Aiyuk wandering into the locker room and finally wearing a 49ers helmet again appear to be incredibly slim.
