Brandon Aiyuk Meets With 49ers Over Reinstatement

Brandon Aiyuk, a former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, met with the team at their business offices to discuss potential reinstatement to the NFL. Aiyuk, who has not played since a 2024 knee injury, is seeking to return after two years of holdout.

Aiyuk tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 20, 2024. He has not participated in team activities since the 49ers voided his contract in July 2025. He was placed on the reserve/left-team list in December and has not reported for training camp or the offseason program.

Aiyuk recently hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to represent him and filed for reinstatement in late October. However, the 49ers have not approved his reinstatement, citing a demand for repayment of approximately $13 million in bonus money previously paid to Aiyuk.

The NFL informed Aiyuk this week that he must repay the bonus money before his reinstatement can be processed. Rosenhaus indicated that the meeting with the 49ers was intended to resolve these issues and move toward a potential return.

The 49ers have three options if an agreement is reached: release Aiyuk, trade him, or add him to the 53-man roster. General manager John Lynch stated in January that Aiyuk played his last snaps for the team, making a roster spot unlikely. Coach Kyle Shanahan did not attend the meeting and expressed no interest in a reunion with Aiyuk.