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Brandon Aiyuk files for reinstatement, eyes new NFL team
4 Nov
Summary
- Brandon Aiyuk has initiated the process to leave the 49ers.
- Aiyuk is seeking reinstatement after a knee injury in 2024.
- He reportedly hopes to join the Commanders to play with Jayden Daniels.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has taken the first step toward leaving the team by filing for reinstatement. His new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the action on Wednesday. Aiyuk, aged 28, has not played since sustaining a significant knee injury on October 20, 2024.
He was placed on the 49ers' reserve/left squad list in December, a designation that means he is not paid and does not count against the team's roster limits. The team has signaled that Aiyuk will not play for them again. This filing is a procedural step required for his potential return to the field.
Aiyuk had previously expressed on social media his intention not to file for reinstatement or engage in further business with the 49ers. The team could reject a reinstatement request submitted after the November 10 trade deadline. Notably, no player can be reinstated after Week 13.
Aiyuk signed a $120 million extension in August 2024. Following his season-ending knee surgery, he reportedly deviated from the 49ers' rehabilitation protocol. The team subsequently voided the guaranteed money in his 2026 contract, a decision Aiyuk did not contest.
Sources indicate Aiyuk's desired next team is the Washington Commanders. This interest stems from his close friendship with quarterback Jayden Daniels, his college teammate, and the Commanders' loss of top receiver Terry McLaurin to a season-ending injury.
