San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has filed paperwork to be reinstated and is expected to report to the team's facility on Friday, according to multiple reports. The move marks a significant step in a prolonged standoff between the player and the organization.
Background and Contract Dispute
Aiyuk tore his ACL in October 2024 and was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list prior to the 2025 season. Thirteen months after the injury, the 49ers voided the $27 million in 2026 salary guarantees in his contract, citing a failure to check in with the team, adhere to his rehab schedule, or meet contractual obligations. In December, Aiyuk was placed on the reserve/left squad list.
During the offseason, Aiyuk publicly criticized the 49ers on social media and expressed a desire to join the Washington Commanders to reunite with his college quarterback, Jayden Daniels. However, San Francisco retained his rights, meaning any move would require reinstatement followed by a trade. Aiyuk had previously refused to complete those steps, but has now engaged the process after hiring agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Agent and Team Statements
"Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field," Rosenhaus said. General manager John Lynch stated 10 months ago that it was safe to say Aiyuk had played his last snap for the 49ers. The franchise would prefer to receive compensation in a trade, but ESPN reports the most likely outcome is a release if he is reinstated.
Career Highlights
Aiyuk established himself as one of the NFL's top receivers in 2023, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns en route to Super Bowl LVIII. His 3.1 yards per route run ranked third behind Tyreek Hill and Nico Collins, and 81.3% of his receptions resulted in a first down or touchdown, leading the league. That performance earned him a four-year, $120 million extension. In the 2024 season, he reached 50 receiving yards in only one of seven games before the ACL tear.
