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 ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes after Aiyuk hired agent Drew Rosenhaus earlier this week.
"Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field," Rosenhaus said. If reinstated, the 49ers could trade or release the 26-year-old receiver. General manager John Lynch stated 10 months ago that Aiyuk had likely played his last snap for the franchise.
The situation stems from Aiyuk's ACL tear in October 2024. He was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before the 2025 season, and 13 months post-injury, the 49ers voided $27 million in 2026 salary guarantees, citing Aiyuk's failure to check in with the team, adhere to his rehab schedule, or meet contractual obligations. He was subsequently placed on the reserve/left squad list in December.
Aiyuk had expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders to reunite with college quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the 49ers retained his rights, requiring reinstatement and a trade. Aiyuk previously refused to complete those steps but has now complied.
In 2023, Aiyuk emerged as one of the NFL's top receivers, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns en route to Super Bowl LVIII. He ranked third in yards per route run (3.1) behind Tyreek Hill and Nico Collins, and led the league with 81.3% of receptions resulting in a first down or touchdown. After a contract hold-in during 2024 training camp, he signed a four-year, $120 million extension. He played seven games in 2024 before the ACL tear, reaching 50 receiving yards only once.
