San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has taken a calculated step toward reviving his NFL career by hiring prominent agent Drew Rosenhaus as he looks to return to the field after more than two years away from the game.

Rosenhaus confirmed the development to Adam Schefter of ESPN on Monday afternoon, explaining that he is “working on getting [Aiyuk] back to work and playing again in the NFL.” The 28-year-old has been without formal representation since parting ways with his previous agent, Ryan Williams, in June.

However, hiring Rosenhaus is only the beginning of what could be a complicated process. Aiyuk must first submit a formal reinstatement request to the NFL to return from the 49ers' reserve/left squad list. He has not completed that step despite previously expressing his reluctance to conduct any further business with San Francisco.

Aiyuk has not appeared in an NFL game since suffering serious damage to his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 20, 2024. The injury involved his ACL, MCL and meniscus and required season-ending surgery.

His relationship with the organization deteriorated further during his rehabilitation. The Niners voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money in July 2025 after Aiyuk failed to complete the required rehabilitation sessions and team check-ins. He subsequently stopped reporting to the team's facility, resulting in his placement on the reserve/left squad list in December.

That designation means Aiyuk does not receive a salary from the 49ers or occupy a spot on their roster. He remains under contract through the 2028 season after signing a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024.

San Francisco has made its position regarding a potential reunion abundantly clear. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have repeatedly indicated that Aiyuk's time with the franchise is over. Even when asked in September whether injuries to the receiving group could change that stance, Shanahan responded with a one-word answer: “no.”

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The 49ers previously explored trade possibilities involving the receiver, and his hiring of Rosenhaus could reopen that avenue ahead of the November 10 trade deadline. However, if Aiyuk pursues reinstatement, San Francisco could ultimately decide to release him instead. If his request arrives after the trade deadline, the Niners can reject it, while reinstatement is not permitted after Week 13.

The Washington Commanders have also been a recurring subject in Aiyuk's offseason social media activity. He repeatedly expressed interest in joining Washington to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former Arizona State teammate. However, the Commanders subsequently signed veteran wideout Stefon Diggs.

Aiyuk's previous production demonstrates what he can offer when healthy. In 2023, he recorded a career-best 1,342 receiving yards on 75 receptions, added seven touchdowns and earned second-team All-Pro recognition.