Brandon Aiyuk Seeks NFL Reinstatement, Expected to Report to 49ers on Friday.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has taken the first step toward returning to the NFL after submitting paperwork requesting reinstatement. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Aiyuk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed Wednesday that the 28-year-old receiver plans to arrive at the 49ers' facility Friday afternoon. Aiyuk remains on the team's reserve/did not report list following a lengthy absence involving injury recovery and disagreements with the organization. Rosenhaus indicated that Aiyuk has recovered from his injuries and is prepared to resume playing football. Although Aiyuk has requested reinstatement, his future in San Francisco remains uncertain. The 49ers must determine how to proceed with his contract and roster status before he can return to action. Aiyuk has not appeared in an NFL game since October 20, 2024, when he suffered significant damage to his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury involved tears to his ACL, MCL and meniscus, ending his season and beginning an extended period away from the field. His relationship with the 49ers deteriorated during his recovery. In July 2025, San Francisco voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract, citing his failure to complete required rehabilitation activities and maintain contact with the organization. The situation escalated in December when the team placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list after he stopped reporting to its facility. His designation later changed to reserve/did not report when he failed to attend training camp in July. Despite San Francisco experiencing injuries at wide receiver, head coach Kyle Shanahan has remained firm about Aiyuk's future with the franchise. When asked in September whether a reunion was possible, Shanahan rejected the idea. General manager John Lynch and Shanahan have also previously indicated that they do not expect Aiyuk to play for the 49ers again. San Francisco has explored potential trades involving Aiyuk without reaching an agreement. With reinstatement now being pursued, releasing the receiver could become the organization's next move.
Aiyuk has also publicly expressed frustration with the franchise through social media. During the offseason, he suggested that he would welcome an opportunity to join the Washington Commanders and reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two developed a friendship while playing college football at Arizona State. However, Washington's current receiving corps, which includes veteran Stefon Diggs, could complicate the possibility of adding Aiyuk.
For now, Aiyuk remains outside San Francisco's active roster. His current designation means the organization is not paying him, and he does not occupy a roster spot. Selected by the 49ers with the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk established himself as a key offensive contributor before suffering his knee injury. His most productive season came in 2023, when he recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. That performance earned him second-team All-Pro recognition and established him among the league's top receivers. Aiyuk's reinstatement request represents an important development in his effort to resume his NFL career. However, his return to the 49ers' facility does not guarantee that he will remain with the organization. With San Francisco's leadership having previously ruled out a reunion, the next decision could determine whether Aiyuk continues his career with another franchise.
