San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk returned to the team’s headquarters on Friday as he attempts to secure reinstatement to the NFL roster following an extended absence.
The visit marked his first appearance at the facility in months and came after his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that the player had submitted the necessary paperwork to resume his professional career.
Aiyuk arrived alongside Rosenhaus, who told reporters that his client was physically fit and ready to return to football.
“We appreciate you guys showing up. Obviously, Brandon is here to meet with the team.
Fortunately, he’s feeling good, physically. He’s healthy and ready to get back to work,” Rosenhaus said.
He declined to disclose where Aiyuk might play next, saying discussions would remain between the player and the 49ers.
Wide Receiver Declares Himself Fully Recovered
Speaking briefly to reporters outside the facility, Aiyuk said he was pleased with his recovery and hoped to return to professional football.
“Nice to see y’all. I’m feeling great, feeling healthy. It’s been a long recovery process, but I’m back to 100 percent and looking to get reinstated into the National Football League,” he said.
The 28-year-old has not featured in an NFL game since October 2024, when he suffered serious knee ligament injuries.
His absence was followed by a turbulent offseason during which he failed to report for training camp, raising further questions about his future with San Francisco.
He was subsequently placed on the team’s reserve/did not report list.
Police Explain Presence Near 49ers Facility
A police presence around Levi’s Stadium earlier on Friday attracted attention, with speculation circulating on social media that officers were waiting for Aiyuk because of an outstanding arrest warrant.
The wide receiver remains the subject of an active warrant in Santa Clara County following allegations that he drove at 104mph outside Levi’s Stadium earlier this year.
However, the Santa Clara Police Department dismissed suggestions that its officers were monitoring Aiyuk’s arrival.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, the department explained that officers had been responding to an unrelated call for service in the area.
Shanahan Distances Himself From Aiyuk’s Return
Head coach Kyle Shanahan offered little indication that Aiyuk’s visit would influence the 49ers’ current football operations.
Speaking before the wide receiver arrived, Shanahan said he had no expectations about the meeting and was not involved in the matter.
“No clue, your guess is as good as mine. I couldn’t care less.
It’s been over for our football team for a long time,” he said.
He added that the situation had nothing to do with the team’s immediate football activities, particularly during the ongoing season.
“I look at this as it has zero to do with our football team.
And anything that has zero to do with our football team, especially during the football season, I will give zero thoughts to,” Shanahan added.
NFL Demands Repayment of $13 Million in Bonuses
Aiyuk’s attempt to return to the NFL has also been complicated by a financial dispute involving approximately $13 million in bonuses previously received from the 49ers.
According to reports, the NFL informed the wide receiver that he must repay the money as part of the reinstatement process.
A person familiar with the matter said the league sent a letter to Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association on Thursday outlining the repayment obligation.
The disputed amount relates to bonuses paid under the four-year, $120 million contract extension he signed shortly before the 2024 season.
The individual spoke on condition of anonymity because the letter had not been made public.
49ers Consider Options Over Aiyuk’s Future
San Francisco general manager John Lynch acknowledged on Thursday that the organisation was working through an unusual situation involving the wide receiver.
Speaking to the team’s flagship radio station, KNBR, Lynch said the franchise was consulting with the NFL Management Council to determine how to proceed.
“My job is to look out for the best interests of the 49ers, and as such, in this particular situation, we’re working with the NFL Management Council to navigate through kind of a different situation,” Lynch said.
He described the matter as fluid and said the organisation was looking for an arrangement that would work for both parties.
Despite Aiyuk’s efforts to regain his NFL status, ESPN reported that the most likely outcome is for San Francisco to release him rather than reintegrate him into the playing squad.
