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Brandon Aiyuk Seeks NFL Reinstatement With 49ers
Confirmed
In Short: Former 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk returned to the team's offices to begin the process of NFL reinstatement after a two-year absence.
Brandon Aiyuk, the former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, returned to the team's offices on Friday to take the necessary steps for NFL reinstatement.
Aiyuk, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, has been out of action since tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2024.
Aiyuk expressed optimism about his return, stating, '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.'
The 49ers voided about $27 million of salary guarantees in July 2025 after Aiyuk did not meet the requirements in his contract.
Aiyuk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told reporters, 'Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field,' while also declining to comment on Aiyuk's future team.
Despite the drama surrounding Aiyuk's absence, 49ers general manager John Lynch suggested that 'everything is possible' regarding a reunion with the team.
However, Coach Kyle Shanahan and several 49ers leaders were unmoved by Aiyuk's return, showing little enthusiasm for his potential reinstatement.
Teams had reached out to the 49ers about Aiyuk, but were told San Francisco did not plan to trade him.
Aiyuk's return to the 49ers' offices was a significant event, with the team facing the possibility of Aiyuk owing them about $13 million in bonus forfeiture.
Aiyuk's situation remains uncertain, with the NFL Management Council working with Aiyuk and the 49ers to negotiate a resolution or repayment.
What this adds
The 49ers' stance on Aiyuk's reinstatement remains unclear, with some team members showing little enthusiasm for his return.
Aiyuk's return to the 49ers' offices marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he seeks to resolve the issues that led to his absence.
What's confirmed
- "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.
What's still developing
- Aiyuk joined Jerry Rice that year as the only players in franchise history to record seven 100-yard receiving games in a season.
- "That's my goal, and I don't question that. When you talk about guys like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo, those are guys that we drafted, and we take a lot of pride in what they've become and who they've become. We couldn't be more proud of those guys. And so, during the course of drafts and offseasons, do conversations happen? Absolutely, they do. We're past that now. We're thrilled to add to that group."
- "I'm doing everything in my power to keep our roster together," Lynch said.
- Even after the addition of Pearsall, Lynch said on the " Pat McAfee Show," they were past trading Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel.
- Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, the 49ers began to explore a potential deal involving Aiyuk.
- It got to the point where NFL Media reported that contract talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers had been stalled for quite some time, and it was more likely the star pass-catcher would be traded than find lucrative, long-term security in San Francisco.
- After drama between him and the 49ers over his missed mandatory rehab sessions, among other issues, the former 2020 first-round pick is now working towards NFL reinstatement.
- More news: 2 Clear Favorites Emerge to Trade for Ravens RB Derrick Henry Ahead of meeting with the team on Friday, Aiyuk's agent shut down questions on which team his client might play for after NFL reinstatement.
- SANTA CLARA – Coach Kyle Shanahan and several 49ers leaders were unmoved, unenthused and perhaps unconvinced by Wednesday’s news that estranged wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is officially making a comeback, two years after last playing for the 49ers.
- Aiyuk was then placed on the reserve/left squad list.
- Aiyuk returning to Santa Clara was a big story on Friday.
- He has since moved on from the Aiyuk drama and said he couldn't care less what happened during Friday's meeting.