Brandon Aiyuk Files for Reinstatement, Plans Return to 49ers Facility

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially filed for reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list, signaling his intent to return to the NFL. Under the guidance of his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, the 28-year-old submitted his paperwork on Wednesday and plans to report to the team's facility on Friday. The move shifts the spotlight back to the 49ers' front office, which now faces a pivotal roster decision regarding their former first-round pick.

New Representation and Reinstatement Push

Aiyuk's push to rejoin the league follows a significant change in his management. During a prolonged dispute with the 49ers, the wide receiver parted ways with former agent Ryan Williams and hired Rosenhaus. On Wednesday, Rosenhaus confirmed that Aiyuk officially submitted the necessary paperwork to the NFL to initiate his return.

Upon his reinstatement by the league, Aiyuk will remain under his current contract with San Francisco. His planned arrival at the team facility on Friday marks his first major step back into the organization's orbit after a lengthy absence.

From a Massive Extension to the Reserve List

The path to Aiyuk's current reinstatement bid stems from a turbulent two-year period. Following a standout 2023 season in which he earned second-team All-Pro honors with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension just before the start of the 2024 campaign. The deal followed a lengthy contract hold-in.

However, his 2024 season was cut short. After recording 25 catches for 374 yards across seven games, Aiyuk suffered a knee injury in October 2024. He has not played in an NFL game since going down with the injury more than two years ago.

Late last season, Aiyuk left the Niners and was subsequently placed on the reserve/left squad list. His absence extended through last summer, when he failed to participate in meetings and other mandatory team activities. In response, the 49ers voided $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract for the 2026 season.

What Comes Next for San Francisco

Aiyuk's impending return to the facility forces the 49ers to address his roster status. General manager John Lynch previously stated that he does not expect the wide receiver to ever play for the Niners again.

Since being drafted in the first round in 2020, Aiyuk has amassed 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns. Despite his past production, San Francisco now holds the option to either trade or release him. According to reports, an outright cut is currently viewed as the most likely outcome to resolve the long-running standoff.