NFL Reinstates Brandon Aiyuk to San Francisco Roster Amid Financial Dispute

San Francisco, California: The National Football League reinstated receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday. The league removed Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list, a move that grants the 49ers a two-week exemption before they must add him to the 53-man roster.

Aiyuk, 28, submitted his request for reinstatement after hiring agent Drew Rosenhaus. He met with the 49ers last Friday as part of his effort to return to the NFL. Aiyuk has not played for more than two years following a knee injury sustained in October 2024. He stated last week that he is healthy and intends to return to the league.

The dispute between Aiyuk and the 49ers began when he left the team late last season. He placed himself on the reserve/left squad list and fired agent Ryan Williams during the conflict. Aiyuk went without representation until recently hiring Rosenhaus. The 49ers previously voided $27 million in guaranteed 2026 contract money because Aiyuk failed to participate in meetings and team activities last summer while rehabilitating his knee.

Financial obligations are now central to the standoff. A person with knowledge of the situation said the league sent a letter to Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association last week. The letter stated that Aiyuk owes the 49ers about $13 million. This amount is based on bonuses he received after signing a four-year, $120 million extension just before the 2024 season started. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the letter was not released to the public.

The 49ers have indicated they have no plans to play Aiyuk again. They could trade him before Tuesday’s deadline or release him before the two-game exemption expires. Aiyuk signed his large extension following a lengthy contract hold-in that kept him out of training camp that year. In 2023, he recorded 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.

Injuries limited his 2024 season to seven games, during which he caught 25 passes for 374 yards. Since being drafted in the first round in 2020, Aiyuk has accumulated 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career. The 49ers will make their final roster decision within the next two weeks.

The reinstatement marks a formal return to the team's official roster status, though his future with San Francisco remains uncertain. The financial letter and the upcoming deadline will determine whether he stays, moves to another team, or is cut loose.