San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk returned to team offices on Friday to begin the process of filing for NFL reinstatement, accompanied by his new agent Drew Rosenhaus. Aiyuk told reporters he is healthy and ready to play after a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period. "I'm feeling great, feeling healthy, been a long recovery process, long rehab process but I'm back to 100% and looking to get reinstated to the National Football League," Aiyuk said.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed the meeting, stating he "couldn't care less" about the proceedings and had no expectations for the outcome.
Significant obstacles remain before Aiyuk can suit up again. According to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, Aiyuk owes the 49ers approximately $13 million in bonus forfeiture after the team voided about $27 million in salary guarantees in July 2025 when he failed to meet contract requirements. The NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association are working toward a resolution, though it may take time. The 49ers still own Aiyuk's rights; once reinstated, they would need to trade or release him. San Francisco has previously been unable to trade him, making a release a possibility after the financial issue is settled.
Aiyuk's saga includes a standout 2023 season (75 receptions, 1,342 yards, seven touchdowns), a four-year, $120 million extension signed in August 2024, a contract holdout, a trade demand, a torn ACL in Week 7 of the 2024 season, and a missed 2025 campaign. After the 49ers voided his guarantees and placed him on the reserve/left squad list, Aiyuk engaged in public criticism of the organization on social media. He has now shifted focus toward finalizing his departure from the team.
