San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk returned to the team offices and has started taking the steps needed to file for reinstatement. Accompanied by his newly hired agent Drew Rosenhaus, Aiyuk stated to reporters that he has fully recovered from his previous injury and is ready to resume his career.
Reinstatement and Financial Hurdles
Aiyuk told reporters he feels completely healthy following a lengthy recovery process and wants to rejoin the National Football League. While his return to the facility was a major talking point, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that he could not care less about the meeting and has moved on from the situation.
According to CBS Sports Headlines reporting citing Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, Aiyuk owes the 49ers approximately $13 million in bonus forfeiture. The team previously signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, but later voided about $27 million in salary guarantees in July 2025 after he failed to meet contract requirements, leading to his placement on the reserve/left squad list. The NFL management council and the NFL Players Association are currently working toward a resolution.
Once Aiyuk is officially reinstated, the 49ers will still hold his rights and must either trade or release him. San Francisco previously struggled to trade the wide receiver, meaning a release could happen once the $13 million financial dispute is resolved.
Background of the Aiyuk Saga
During the 2023 season, Aiyuk delivered a standout performance with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII. He joined Jerry Rice as the only players in franchise history to record seven 100-yard receiving games in a single season. Seeking long-term security on his rookie deal, Aiyuk’s offseason eventually involved trade explorations, a contract holdout, and public mentions of the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers as preferred destinations.
In August 2024, Aiyuk signed his four-year extension worth $120 million. After a slow start to the 2024 campaign, he broke out with 147 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, but suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 during the Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While recovering, Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season amid a strained relationship with the organization. Reports surfaced that the team voided salary guarantees, and Aiyuk was placed on the reserve/left team list. A Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office arrest warrant also remained active following a speeding incident, and Aiyuk subsequently vented his frustrations on social media regarding his contract and the team.
Although Aiyuk frequently posted videos wearing Washington Commanders gear and suggested a move was imminent, he had not yet applied for reinstatement until now. By initiating the reinstatement process alongside Rosenhaus, Aiyuk has shifted his focus toward concluding his tenure with San Francisco.
