Brandon Aiyuk hires Drew Rosenhaus amid NFL return efforts

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent, according to Rosenhaus, who told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. Rosenhaus stated he is "working on getting [Aiyuk] back to work and playing again in the NFL."

Background and Injury

Aiyuk has not played in an NFL game since October 20, 2024, against the Kansas City Chiefs, when he tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee. Since that injury, he has been on the reserve/left squad list after leaving the San Francisco 49ers late last season.

Prior to his injury, Aiyuk was a highly productive receiver. In 2023, he recorded 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors. In 2024, he recorded 25 catches for 374 yards in seven games before his knee injury. Since being drafted in the first round in 2020 with the No. 25 pick, the 28-year-old has recorded 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 TDs.

Contract and Team Dispute

Aiyuk and the 49ers have been at odds for a significant period. Aiyuk previously signed a four-year, $120 million extension just before the start of the 2024 season following a contract hold-in that kept him out of training camp. He had previously fired agent Ryan Williams during a long-running dispute with the 49ers.

The team has taken several actions regarding his contract and status:

• In July 2025, the Niners voided roughly $27 million in guaranteed money on Aiyuk's contract for 2026 because he did not do the requisite rehab sessions and check-ins with the team during that offseason.
• In December, the team placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list after he stopped showing up at the team facility.
• Because he is on the reserve/did not report list, the Niners are not paying him and he does not count against their roster.

Path to Reinstatement

For Aiyuk to play again, he must first apply for reinstatement with the NFL. If he does so, he remains under contract to the 49ers, and the team will then need to decide what to do with his rights. While the team has tried unsuccessfully to trade Aiyuk in the past, sources suggest the more likely outcome if he is reinstated would be the team releasing him.

San Francisco leadership has indicated they do not intend to continue with the receiver. San Francisco general manager John Lynch has previously said he doesn't expect Aiyuk to play for the 49ers again. In September, when asked if he would reconsider a reunion with Aiyuk, coach Kyle Shanahan said, "no."

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Sources

• sportsnet.ca: Disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk hires new agent in possible step to NFL return
• tsn.ca: Brandon Aiyuk hires Drew Rosenhaus as agent, eyes return to NFL

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.