Brandon Aiyuk Files Reinstatement Papers, Plans Friday Return to 49ers Facility

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially filed the necessary paperwork to be reinstated to the NFL roster, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus confirmed the move to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday, noting that Aiyuk intends to report to the San Francisco 49ers’ training facility on Friday afternoon. The agent expressed confidence in his client's physical state, stating that Aiyuk is healthy and prepared to return to active play.

This filing represents the initial procedural step required for Aiyuk to regain his playing status. Following this submission, the 49ers will need to determine how to handle his contractual rights. The outcome of this decision will likely dictate whether he remains with the team or is released to become a free agent, as the franchise has indicated it is unlikely to retain him long-term.

Aiyuk has not appeared in an NFL game since October 20, 2024, when he suffered a severe injury to his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs. The diagnosis revealed tears to the ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Since that incident, the relationship between the player and the organization has remained strained, leading to a series of administrative and financial disputes over the past year.

The tension escalated in July 2025 when the 49ers voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money from Aiyuk’s contract. The team cited his failure to complete required rehabilitation sessions and check-ins during the offseason. Subsequently, in December, the franchise placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list after he stopped attending the team facility. When he did not report for training camp in July, his status reverted to the reserve/did not report list.

San Francisco has previously attempted to trade Aiyuk without success. If he is reinstated, the more probable scenario is that the team will release him. Both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have repeatedly communicated that they believe Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco is finished. In September, when asked if he would reconsider a reunion with the receiver, Shanahan responded with a simple "no."

The current NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Throughout the summer, Aiyuk used social media to express his frustration with the 49ers, attempting to pressure the team into releasing him. He stated he would not do business with the organization and frequently hinted at a desire to join the Washington Commanders. This preference stemmed from a friendship he developed with quarterback Jayden Daniels during their shared tenure at Arizona State.

However, the likelihood of a move to Washington remains uncertain. The Commanders recently signed veteran receiver Stefon Diggs and are focused on developing their existing young wideouts. As it stands, Aiyuk’s placement on the reserve/did not report list means the 49ers are not currently paying his salary, and he does not count against their active roster limit.

Aiyuk, who is 28 years old, was selected by the 49ers with the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Prior to his knee injury, he had established himself as one of the league's most productive wide receivers. In 2023, he recorded 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.

The next few days will be critical in determining Aiyuk's immediate future. His report to the facility on Friday is expected to trigger the final stages of the reinstatement process, after which the 49ers will make their official decision regarding his status on the roster.