San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk still faces financial and roster questions after meeting with the team Friday as he pursues a return to the NFL.
Aiyuk and newly hired agent Drew Rosenhaus visited the organization’s business offices near Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 28-year-old has remained on the reserve/left squad list since December 2025.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport outlined the obstacles Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, sharing a clip from “The Insiders.”
“He did not. Has not officially been reinstated to try to get on the 49ers roster. That has not happened. Now there are several issues here.”
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: Brandon Aiyuk came and went on Friday, exiting the #49ers facility with no resolution. pic.twitter.com/2P7kvXq78w
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2026
The NFL sent Aiyuk and the NFLPA a letter Thursday regarding bonuses the league says he must repay to the 49ers. Rapoport described a disagreement over the amount.
“The NFL believes that is 13 million. The NFLPA believes the number is a little less. We'll see where they land if there's a negotiation.”
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension before the 2024 season after earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. Arbitration could prolong the repayment dispute.
He has not played since suffering a multi-ligament knee injury on October 20, 2024. Even reinstatement would not necessarily force an immediate roster move, Rapoport explained.
“My understanding is the NFL is expected to give a two-week roster exemption if he gets reinstated, which means the 49ers wouldn't have to do anything immediately anyway.”
The trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, but general manager John Lynch has said he does not expect Aiyuk to play for San Francisco again. Neither reinstatement nor the potential exemption would settle where he resumes his career.