I didn't find any quotes from Jay Gruden specifically about the 49ers' handling of Brandon Aiyuk in the wiki or the expert transcript database. That said, the wiki does cover the Aiyuk saga extensively:
What's happening with Aiyuk and the 49ers:
- Aiyuk is on the Reserve/Left Squad list after sitting out. The 49ers voided his contract guarantees and signed Mike Evans, signaling they're moving on.
- He must formally apply for NFL reinstatement before the 49ers can release or trade him — and as of late June, he still hasn't filed. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler called him "essentially untradeable right now" because of that admin hurdle.
- Reportedly, Aiyuk would prefer to join the Commanders (reunite with Jayden Daniels, his Arizona State teammate), and GM Adam Peters (from the SF front office tree) is familiar with him.
- The Falcons have also been scouting him as a trade target.
From the experts: On Underdog Fantasy, Josh & Hayden noted that "the longer [the 49ers] wait, the more likely the Commanders are going to say, 'You know what? I'm going to send you a seventh-round pick' — which would help the 49ers financially." ()
Long story short: the 49ers seem to have moved on, but Aiyuk's hold-up on reinstatement is the logjam preventing a resolution. If Jay Gruden did comment — it's possible that was on a podcast or show not in our current transcript library.