Brandon Aiyuk has formally filed for reinstatement with the San Francisco 49ers, his newly hired agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed Wednesday. Aiyuk, who has not played since suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in October 2024, is scheduled to report to the team’s training facility on Friday, November 6.
The 49ers now face a Tuesday deadline to either reinstate Aiyuk under his current contract, release him, or trade him before the NFL’s roster compliance window closes. The team placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list in December 2024 after he missed mandatory rehab sessions and skipped training camp. His reinstatement filing triggers the organization’s next procedural step, though head coach Kyle Shanahan has repeatedly stated the team has no intention of retaining him.
Shanahan’s stance on Aiyuk’s return
When asked about Aiyuk’s reinstatement filing Wednesday, Kyle Shanahan delivered a blunt response, stating: “None. I have no expectation. I’ve kind of moved on with that mentally.” Shanahan’s position has remained consistent since July 2025, when the 49ers voided $27 million in contract guarantees after Aiyuk failed to comply with rehab requirements. The coach’s remarks follow earlier reports that the 49ers had no plans to bring Aiyuk back, despite a depleted receiver corps entering the 2026 season.
Aiyuk’s path to reinstatement and potential exits
Aiyuk’s reinstatement filing comes after a year-long absence from the field and a contentious off-field period that included public criticism of the 49ers’ front office. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed Aiyuk is medically cleared and ready to return, though the team has not indicated any change in its stance. The 49ers’ options upon his reinstatement are limited:
- Retain under current contract: Unlikely, given Shanahan’s public dismissal of the idea.
- Trade before deadline: Previous trade efforts reportedly failed, with the Washington Commanders previously mentioned as a potential destination before they acquired Stefon Diggs.
- Release him: The most probable outcome, per multiple reports, though the team may explore trade interest first.
Background: Aiyuk’s tenure and fallout
Selected 25th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk was a productive receiver before his injury, recording 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. His 2024 season ended abruptly after the knee injury, and his rehab process became a point of contention. The 49ers voiding his contract guarantees in July 2025 marked a turning point, followed by his placement on the reserve/left squad list in December. Aiyuk has publicly criticized the organization in recent months, including allegations against general manager John Lynch and accusations of uninvited visits to his home.
The 49ers, currently 6-1 in the 2026 season, are preparing for a Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders after their bye week. The team’s receiver room remains a topic of discussion, though Shanahan has emphasized moving forward without Aiyuk.