San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk returned to team offices on Friday to begin the process of seeking reinstatement to the NFL, accompanied by his new agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Aiyuk stated he is healthy and at 100% after a long recovery and rehab process, expressing his desire to be reinstated.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan dismissed the meeting, saying he "couldn't care less" about the proceedings.
A major obstacle remains: Aiyuk owes the 49ers approximately $13 million in bonus forfeiture after the team voided $27 million in salary guarantees in July 2025 when he failed to meet contract requirements. The NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association are working on a resolution.
The 49ers still hold Aiyuk's rights; upon reinstatement they must trade or release him. Previous trade attempts have failed, making a release possible after the financial issue is settled.
Background
Aiyuk emerged as one of the NFL's top receivers in 2023, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns as the 49ers reached Super Bowl LVIII. He signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024 but tore his ACL in Week 7 of the 2024 season. The team later voided guarantees after he missed obligations, placed him on the reserve/left squad list, and failed to trade him. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season amid public disputes and social media criticism of the organization.
