Brandon Aiyuk returns to NFL, but 49ers keep him off active roster
The receiver has two weeks to find a new home before his spot counts toward San Francisco's 53-man limit.
By Arjun Weber ·
The National Football League has reinstated wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, allowing him to return to active duty after a two-year absence. The league granted the San Francisco 49ers a special roster exemption that keeps Aiyuk off the team's 53-man count until November 23. This temporary status gives the franchise a short window to trade or release the player before the deadline passes.
Aiyuk first joined the 49ers in 2020 and played for the team through the 2024 season. His tenure ended abruptly in Week 7 of that year when he tore his ACL and MCL against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was placed on injured reserve and began a long rehabilitation process. By December 2025, the 49ers moved him to the reserve list again after he stopped communicating with the organization while recovering from his knee injury.
The disconnect between the player and the team grew over the following months. Aiyuk skipped team activities and forfeited $26 million in salary for the current year. He also used social media to criticize the franchise and expressed a desire to play for the Washington Commanders. That interest in Washington included a public comment targeting quarterback Jayden Daniels, the same player Aiyuk had previously cited as a reason for wanting to join the Commanders.
Last week, Aiyuk hired agent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents more than 170 NFL players. Rosenhaus immediately began seeking trade opportunities for his client. The agent and Aiyuk met with 49ers officials on Friday for approximately 75 minutes. Rosenhaus described the meeting as an effort to put their best foot forward. He later offered a brief update to the press, saying only: To be continued.
Financial disagreements remain a central issue in the standoff. The 49ers state that Aiyuk owes them $13 million in roster bonuses. This debt was a primary topic during Friday's meeting. Aiyuk told reporters after the meeting that he feels healthy and is back to 100%. He emphasized that the recovery process was long but that he is ready for reinstatement.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has made clear that the team does not expect Aiyuk to play for them again. Shanahan called the reinstatement administrative and said he could not care less about the receiver's return. The 49ers are currently leading the NFC West with a 7-1 record. They recently traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts, suggesting a shift in their offensive plans.
Rosenhaus stated on Tuesday that Aiyuk will work out for any team that shows interest. The agent indicated a preference for a team that already knows Aiyuk, a description that aligns closely with the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk has not played a game since October 2024. His most productive season came in 2023, when he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with San Francisco before the 2024 season began. He is 28 years old. The 49ers have until Tuesday's 4 p.m. trading deadline to move him. Rosenhaus told ESPN that he is confident in Aiyuk's future moving forward.
