Brandon Aiyuk Seeks Reinstatement With San Francisco 49ers

Brandon Aiyuk has begun the process of returning to the NFL after submitting reinstatement paperwork, with plans to report to the San Francisco 49ers' training facility Friday afternoon. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the move to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday, although the team's next decision could determine whether the wide receiver remains in San Francisco.

Aiyuk is currently listed on the 49ers' reserve/did not report list. Filing for reinstatement represents the first step toward returning to the field, but San Francisco must determine how to handle his contractual and roster status, according to ESPN.

Rosenhaus said his client is ready to resume playing after an extended absence caused by a serious knee injury.

"Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field," said Drew Rosenhaus, Aiyuk's agent.

Aiyuk, 28, has not appeared in an NFL game since Oct. 20, 2024, when he suffered tears to his ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs.

His relationship with San Francisco deteriorated during his recovery. In July 2025, the 49ers voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed contract money after Aiyuk failed to complete required rehabilitation sessions and team check-ins during the offseason.

The organization subsequently placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December after he stopped reporting to the team's facility. His failure to attend training camp in July led to his current designation on the reserve/did not report list.

San Francisco has previously explored trading Aiyuk without success. However, releasing him appears to be a more likely outcome if the reinstatement process is completed, according to ESPN's reporting.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have repeatedly indicated that Aiyuk has played his final game for the 49ers.

Shanahan also dismissed the possibility of bringing the receiver back when asked about a reunion in September, despite multiple injuries affecting San Francisco's receiving corps.

"No," said Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Aiyuk had also expressed frustration with the organization through several social media posts during the summer. He challenged the team to release him and indicated that he was unwilling to continue conducting business with San Francisco.

He also repeatedly expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders, where he could reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two developed a friendship while attending Arizona State University.

However, Washington's current receiving group could complicate that possibility. The Commanders have signed veteran receiver Stefon Diggs and have other wideouts they want to develop.

Aiyuk's current roster designation means San Francisco is not paying him and he does not occupy a spot on the team's active roster. The 49ers originally selected him with the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Before his injury, Aiyuk established himself as one of the league's most productive receivers. According to ESPN, he recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023, earning second-team All-Pro honors.

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, adding another consideration to San Francisco's decisions regarding Aiyuk's future.