Brandon Aiyuk has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus as he looks to resume his NFL career, with his future still unresolved following a prolonged dispute with the San Francisco 49ers. Rosenhaus confirmed the move to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday and said he was working to get the receiver playing again.
Aiyuk has been out of NFL competition since suffering a major right knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 20, 2024. He tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus in that game. Much of the period since the injury has been marked by a breakdown in his relationship with San Francisco.
The dispute has carried significant contractual consequences. In July 2025, the 49ers voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money after Aiyuk failed to complete required rehabilitation sessions and team check-ins during that offseason. The team subsequently put him on the reserve/left squad list in December after he stopped attending the facility.
When Aiyuk failed to report for training camp this July, his designation changed to reserve/did not report. He must apply to the NFL for reinstatement before he can return to play. If he takes that step, San Francisco will have to determine how to handle his rights. Under his current designation, he receives no pay from the team and does not occupy a roster spot.
Previous efforts by the 49ers to trade Aiyuk have been unsuccessful, and a release would be the more likely result if he is reinstated. General manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have repeatedly indicated that his playing career with San Francisco is over. Asked in September whether injuries at receiver could prompt him to reconsider bringing Aiyuk back, Shanahan answered, "no."
Aiyuk repeatedly expressed his frustration with the organization on social media over the summer, trying to push the 49ers toward releasing him. He also said he would not "do business" with the team.
During that period, Aiyuk suggested on several occasions that he wanted to play for the Washington Commanders alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two developed a friendship while at Arizona State. Whether Washington remains a possible destination is uncertain, with the Commanders having signed veteran receiver Stefon Diggs and looking to develop other wideouts.
San Francisco drafted Aiyuk, now 28, with the 25th overall selection in 2020. Before his injury, he had become one of the league's most productive receivers. His 2023 season included 75 receptions, 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Pro recognition.
