Brandon Aiyuk has returned to the San Francisco 49ers’ offices to begin the process of seeking reinstatement from the NFL, more than two years after he was placed on the reserve/left squad list, according to Nbcsports.
The meeting on Friday came with significant obstacles. The NFL has informed Aiyuk that he must repay the 49ers about $13 million in bonuses as a condition for his return, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity, as confirmed by The Associated Press, according to Bleacher Report.
Brandon Aiyuk speaks to the media. pic.twitter.com/mPZqaFdXXR
— Post by @grantcohn on X
This financial demand stems from a four-year, $120 million extension Aiyuk signed in August 2024, before he tore his ACL in October 2024.
League’s Handbook Gives Commissioner Discretion
The procedure for reinstatement is not automatic. The Player Personnel Handbook states that a player on the reserve/left squad list must apply to the Commissioner for reinstatement to the active list.
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on what to expect today with Brandon Aiyuk and Drew Rosenhaus heading to the facility: “No clue. Your guess is as good as mine.” Asked what he would like to see happen, Shanahan replied, “I (couldn’t) care less.” pic.twitter.com/hXZ384WcAl
— Post by @OurSf49ers on X
The handbook also prohibits reinstatement in the last 30 days of the regular season or during the postseason, and requires the club to initiate the request in the period between the trading deadline and that 30-day deadline for it to be considered.
The league has reportedly delayed its decision on Aiyuk’s application since October 27.
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
— Post by @TomPelissero on X
The Collective Bargaining Agreement is silent on the reserve/left squad list, which may place the situation under the league’s management rights
clause. This could limit the options for the NFL Players Association, which has not commented publicly on the matter.
49ers Seek Repayment Following Contract Dispute
The $13 million figure is tied to a contract dispute. In July 2025, the 49ers voided about $27 million in salary guarantees from Aiyuk’s 2026 contract after he failed to meet contractual obligations. The team now claims Aiyuk must repay a portion of the bonuses he was paid after that extension.
Lynch has previously stated he does not expect Aiyuk to play for the 49ers again. The team has been unable to trade him in the past, and a release of his rights could be on the table after the financial issue is settled, CBS Sports noted.
Coach Kyle Shanahan has moved on from the situation. He declined to have any role in the meeting and stated it was not too big of a deal
for him. It's been over for our football team for a long time,
Shanahan said.
Sources: Other teams that have reached out and spoken to San Francisco have been told that the 49ers have no intention of trading disgruntled WR Brandon Ayiuk, who officially has requested a trade. 49ers open training camp next week. pic.twitter.com/vsVCoPvUr1
— Post by @AdamSchefter on X
Aiyuk Claims He Is Healthy and Ready to Play
Aiyuk, who is now represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, maintained that he is healthy and ready to play. I'm feeling great, feeling healthy, been a long recovery process, long rehab process,
Aiyuk said. But I'm back to 100 percent and looking to get reinstated to the National Football League.
Rosenhaus, who accompanied Aiyuk to the meeting, was less direct about the player’s future team. I don't really have any comment about where he's going to play,
Rosenhaus said. We'll keep that between us and the Niners but obviously we're here with all the right intentions.
The meeting lasted about an hour, and Rosenhaus simply said, To be continued,
when pressed for details.
Earlier coverage: Brandon Aiyuk Files for NFL Reinstatement From 49ers Reserve List
