Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to help salvage his NFL career, a move that comes after a tumultuous period that has seen him estranged from the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk, 28, officially signed with Rosenhaus on Monday, seeking to restart a career that has stalled since he blew out his knee in October 2024.
His relationship with the 49ers deteriorated significantly after he missed mandatory team rehab sessions in July 2025, leading the team to void approximately $27 million in contract guarantees. Aiyuk subsequently stopped attending team activities, and San Francisco placed him on the reserve/left squad and reserve/did not report lists. He also took to social media to voice his grievances, actively seeking a trade and expressing a desire to join former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels in Washington.
Adding to his off-field issues, Aiyuk faced an arrest warrant in June 2026 for allegedly speeding significantly in a zone with a lower speed limit near Levi's Stadium.
The 49ers organization, led by General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, made it clear that Aiyuk's time in San Francisco was over. Shanahan explicitly stated in September 2026 that a reunion was not possible, even in light of potential wide receiver injuries. Furthermore, Aiyuk's potential move to Washington was thwarted when the Commanders signed Stefon Diggs, ending any prospect of a reunion with Daniels.
Before any trade or release can occur, Aiyuk requires formal league reinstatement. This is where Rosenhaus, known for his work with high-profile clients facing career challenges, enters the picture. His past clients have included Terrell Owens and Antonio Brown, players who navigated complex situations with their respective teams. Rosenhaus's task will be to manage Aiyuk's situation, aiming to secure his league reinstatement and facilitate a potential transaction with another NFL team. Despite Aiyuk's elite production in 2023, which included 1,342 receiving yards, his prolonged absence and off-field conduct have complicated his standing in the league.