Brandon Aiyuk Files for Reinstatement, Expected to Report to 49ers on Friday

Brandon Aiyuk is taking steps toward returning to the NFL after not having played since October 2024.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Aiyuk has officially submitted paperwork requesting reinstatement from the Reserve/Left Squad list and is expected to report to the 49ers training facility Friday afternoon. This follows Aiyuk hiring agent Drew Rosenhaus.

“Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field,” Rosenhaus told ESPN.

Aiyuk has not played since suffering a torn ACL during the 2024 season. His relationship with San Francisco deteriorated throughout his recovery, with arguments over his rehab eventually leading the organization to void the remaining guaranteed money in his 4-year, $120M contract.

The former 1st-round pick spent the entire 2025 season away from the team and continued to express frustration with the organization on social media during the 2026 offseason, including taking shots at his head coach, Kyle Shanahan, involved in a car accident where he nearly lost his eye.

Despite the latest development, Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco remains uncertain.

Both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have previously said that Aiyuk is no longer part of the team’s plans, even as recently as September.

Once his reinstatement is processed, the 49ers will have several options, including trading him, releasing him, or keeping him on the roster (the least likely option).

A release appears to be the main possibility given the ongoing issues between both sides. According to Spotrac, this would leave San Francisco with approximately $7.36M in dead cap charges for 2026 and $19.29M in 2027.

Aiyuk previously expressed interest in joining the Commanders, where he could reunite with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. Washington does require receiver depth after injuries, but given all the antics over the last couple of months, who knows if this reunion is even on the table anymore.

With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 10, Aiyuk’s reinstatement will force San Francisco to decide on his future sooner rather than later.