Aiyuk Hires Rosenhaus to Return to Gridiron

Brandon Aiyuk has been inactive for 24 months. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver last played in an NFL game on October 20, 2024, against the Kansas City Chiefs. That contest ended his 2024 season when he tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee.

Aiyuk, 28, has now hired Drew Rosenhaus to represent him. Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Scheffer on Monday that he is working to get Aiyuk back to work. The agent stated the goal is to have the receiver playing in the NFL again. Aiyuk currently sits on the reserve/did not report list. In that status, the Niners do not pay him, and he does not count against their roster limit.

The split between player and team grew during the 2025 offseason. San Francisco voided roughly $27 million in guaranteed money from Aiyuk's contract in July 2025. The team cited missed rehab sessions and check-ins as the reason. When Aiyuk did not report for training camp in July, he moved to the reserve/did not report list. To play again, he must apply for reinstatement with the league. If granted, the 49ers must decide his fate. General Manager John Lynch and Coach Kyle Shanahan have said Aiyuk has played his last snap in San Francisco. Shanahan answered 'no' in September when asked about a reunion.

Aiyuk has pushed for a release over the summer. He used social media to voice displeasure and suggested he would not do business with the Niners. He also hinted at a desire to join the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels attended Arizona State together and formed a friendship there. Washington signed veteran Stefon Diggs this season, making a spot for Aiyuk uncertain. The 49ers previously tried to trade Aiyuk but found no takers. The team originally selected him with the No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Before the knee injury, Aiyuk was one of the league's top performers. In 2023, he recorded 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. That season earned him second-team All-Pro honors. The path back to active status requires a reinstatement hearing and a new contract or a release by San Francisco. Rosenhaus is currently managing that process.