San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has filed paperwork for reinstatement and is reportedly expected to return to the team's practice facility on Friday. This comes despite an active arrest warrant in Santa Clara County, stemming from an incident where Aiyuk was allegedly cited for driving 104 mph near Levi's Stadium earlier this year.
Aiyuk has been sidelined since tearing knee ligaments in October 2024. His absence from training camp and public statements had raised doubts about his future with the team. He is currently on the 49ers' reserve/did not report list.
His new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN that Aiyuk is healthy and ready to play. However, both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have indicated that Aiyuk is unlikely to play for the 49ers again. Shanahan stated he has "no expectation" regarding Aiyuk's return and has "kind of moved on with that mentally."
Because Aiyuk is on the reserve/did not report list, the 49ers are not obligated to pay him or make a roster spot for him. The team had previously voided $27 million in guaranteed contract money for 2026 after his failure to participate in team activities last summer while rehabilitating his knee injury. He has collected $48.1 million of his four-year, $120 million contract extension.
Aiyuk has faced criticism for social media posts, including remarks about Shanahan's offseason car accident. He previously expressed a desire to play for the Washington Commanders alongside former college teammate Jayden Daniels.