Brandon Aiyuk filed paperwork for NFL reinstatement and scheduled a visit to the San Francisco 49ers’ facility alongside agent Drew Rosenhaus, but a $13 million bonus forfeiture dispute and an arrest warrant have complicated his exit from the franchise.
Aiyuk Files for Reinstatement and Plans Facility Visit
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk took his first formal step toward returning to the National Football League by submitting reinstatement paperwork through agent Drew Rosenhaus, as reported by ESPN.
Rosenhaus announced that Aiyuk planned to report to the San Francisco 49ers training facility in Santa Clara.
The NFL has not yet reinstated 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list, complicating his plan to show up at the facility on Friday. https://t.co/qs2iPmSKSs
Aiyuk has spent over a year on the reserve/left squad list following a prolonged standoff that included voided guarantees and skipped rehabilitation sessions.
Dispute Arises Over Bonus Forfeitures
While the administrative paperwork was submitted, a financial roadblock emerged regarding money paid under Aiyuk’s four-year, $120 million contract extension signed in August 2024.
Veteran WR Brandon Aiyuk owes the 49ers roughly $13 million in bonus forfeiture — a potential complication in his efforts to secure his release by reporting to the facility Friday. The NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association are both involved in attempting to… pic.twitter.com/APRRlExe3j
According to Pro Football Network, the NFL sent a letter indicating that Aiyuk owes the team roughly $13 million in bonus forfeitures.
The NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association became involved in discussions over repayment or arbitration to resolve the dispute.
I asked George Kittle if he’s looking forward to seeing Brandon Aiyuk in the 49ers’ facility tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/r9dcci8iJs
Knee Injury Triggers Prior Contract Fallout
The rift between Aiyuk and the franchise began after he tore his right ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 20, 2024.
In July 2025, the 49ers voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money after Aiyuk failed to attend mandatory rehabilitation sessions and check-ins at the facility.
Kyle Shanahan on KNBR: “There is no meeting between me & our football team Friday. We’re going to have a hell of a Friday, do red zone, & we get out of here a little bit earlier than usual. I’m not even sure what time he’s coming in so there’s not much association w/ us on that” https://t.co/DqM3v5otNL
He was subsequently placed on the reserve/left squad list on December 13, 2025.
Front Office Faces Legal Hurdles
49ers general manager John Lynch described the situation to KNBR as fluid, noting that the organization is working with the league’s management council to address an unusual set of circumstances.
Brandon Aiyuk’s agent Drew Rosenhaus repeated that his client will report back to the 49ers on Friday afternoon. “We will be there tomorrow at 3pm to meet with the team at the facility,” Rosenhaus texted. “We will put our best foot forward and go from there.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that he held no expectations regarding the meeting and considered the matter entirely separate from the active football team.
An active arrest warrant stems from an incident in which Aiyuk posted a video of himself speeding near Levi’s Stadium.
He likely will have to clear up this legal situation before he can report to the 49ers’ facility.
Front Office Weighs Roster Implications
Once reinstatement is officially finalized by the league, the 49ers will face decisions regarding Aiyuk’s future, holding the options to activate him, trade him, or grant him a release.
It definitely could take a lot of time to sort this out. Which Aiyuk should've known for months if not years. So why delay this until now? That's the 49ers' Aiyuk thing entirely. What in the world is he doing? They don't know. https://t.co/tLJUSGUtsJ
San Francisco avoided paying his $24.9 million option bonus for 2026 because he remained on the reserve/left squad list when the payment came due.
The team would only owe the prorated remainder of his $1.2 million veteran-minimum base salary, totaling approximately $715,000.
I fully expect the 49ers to drag this out as long as possible making things as difficult on Brandon Aiyuk as possible. https://t.co/STEfXRAIEa
Meanwhile, the front office is managing a successful 6-1 squad that currently holds a commanding lead in the NFC West, keeping total focus on the active roster rather than the protracted Aiyuk saga.
Answers About Aiyuk’s Return
When did Brandon Aiyuk last play an NFL game?
Aiyuk last appeared in a regular-season game on October 20, 2024, against the Kansas City Chiefs before suffering multiple knee ligament tears.
Kyle Shanahan when asked what he hopes happens today in a meeting with the team and Brandon Aiyuk and his agent: "I could care less."
How much money does Aiyuk reportedly owe the 49ers?
The NFL informed Aiyuk and the Players Association that he owes roughly $13 million in bonus forfeitures tied to his contract extension.
What agency represents Aiyuk now?
Aiyuk hired high-profile agent Drew Rosenhaus to handle his reinstatement process and negotiations.
Brandon Aiyuk answered just one question: Do you hope to play for the 49ers? Aiyuk: "I hope to get reinstated into the National Football League."
More on Brandon Aiyuk
What will happen with regard to Brandon Aiyuk today? Kyle Shanahan: “No clue. Your guess is as good as mine.” What would you like to see happen? “I could care less.”
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