Brandon Aiyuk seeks reinstatement and plans to report to the 49ers Friday

Brandon Aiyuk has turned in paperwork to be reinstated and plans to report to the 49ers' training facility Friday afternoon, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday morning. "Brandon is healthy and ready to get back on the field," Rosenhaus said.

What's confirmed

Aiyuk, 28, sits on a 49ers reserve list after leaving the team, which means San Francisco is not paying him and he does not count against the roster. ESPN lists him on reserve/did not report after he skipped training camp in July. Filing for reinstatement is the first step back to a game.

He has not played since Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee against Kansas City. In July 2025 the 49ers voided roughly $27 million in guaranteed money on his contract because he did not complete required rehab sessions and check-ins. Kyle Shanahan was asked in September whether Aiyuk was an option at a banged-up receiver room and said no.

What comes next

Once he reports, Schefter says the 49ers can keep him on his current contract, release him, or try to find a trade partner before Tuesday's deadline. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo expects this to end in a release, and ESPN's Nick Wagoner calls release the more likely outcome than a trade. San Francisco has tried and failed to move him before.

Aiyuk has repeatedly hinted that he wants to play in Washington with Jayden Daniels, his former Arizona State teammate. The Commanders have since added Stefon Diggs, so that fit is less clear than it was over the summer.

What it means for RSO owners

The ceiling is real. Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 and made second-team All-Pro. But he has been away from football for more than a year, and he still needs reinstatement, a landing spot and time to get game-ready.

If he is sitting in your free-agent pool, a cheap, short bid is a reasonable stash in dynasty and contract leagues. If you already roster him, hold rather than sell into a market that knows the risk. Do not plan on him helping your lineup this month.

Watch for his reinstatement to process, his arrival Friday, and whether San Francisco releases him or deals him before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. Where he lands will decide his value far more than the paperwork.