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Brandon Aiyuk has hired veteran NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus as he attempts to resume his professional football career after more than two years away from the field.
Rosenhaus confirmed the move to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday, saying he is “working on getting [Aiyuk] back to work and playing again in the NFL.”
The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has not appeared in a game since tearing the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee during an October 2024 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. His recovery has since been overshadowed by a prolonged dispute with the team over his rehabilitation and contract.
Aiyuk Must Seek NFL Reinstatement
Aiyuk has been on San Francisco’s reserve/left squad list since December 2025 after he stopped reporting to the team facility. His status means the 49ers are not paying him, and he does not count against their roster.
Before he can return to the field, Aiyuk must submit a reinstatement request to the NFL, copying the 49ers. The team would then have to determine how to handle his contractual rights.
The process also comes with a deadline. If Aiyuk submits his request after the November 10 trade deadline, San Francisco can reject it. No player can be reinstated after Week 13.
The receiver previously indicated on social media that he would not seek reinstatement or conduct further business with the 49ers. However, hiring Rosenhaus could signal a change in his approach as he explores a path back to the league.
49ers Have Moved on From Aiyuk
The relationship between Aiyuk and San Francisco deteriorated after the two sides agreed to a $120 million contract extension in August 2024.
The 49ers voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money in July 2025 after determining that Aiyuk had missed required rehabilitation sessions and team check-ins. Aiyuk disputed the team’s account, maintaining that he had reached his recovery milestones.
The situation worsened when Aiyuk stopped attending team activities. San Francisco eventually placed him on the reserve/left squad list, while general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan made clear that he would not play for the franchise again.
Shanahan reaffirmed that position in September when asked whether he would consider bringing Aiyuk back, responding with a simple “no.”
Commanders Remain a Potential Destination
Aiyuk has repeatedly expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders, where he could reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former college teammate at Arizona State.
The 28-year-old has posted photos of himself in Commanders gear and previously suggested that he wanted to play alongside Daniels. However, Washington’s current receiving group includes veteran Stefon Diggs, potentially complicating a move.
Rosenhaus, one of the NFL’s most prominent agents, now faces the task of helping Aiyuk find a team willing to give him another opportunity.
Before his injury, Aiyuk was among the league’s most productive receivers. He recorded a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 75 catches in 2023, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
