NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list following a meeting between the player’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and San Francisco 49ers officials at the team’s business offices in Santa Clara, The San Francisco Standard reported.
Goodell granted the franchise a two-game roster exemption. This administrative action gives the 49ers until November 23 to make a final decision on Aiyuk’s place on the 53-man roster, according to The San Francisco Standard.
Coaching dismiss trade as unlikely
Head coach Kyle Shanahan dismissed the significance of the league’s transaction when questioned by reporters. It means absolutely nothing to our team,
Shanahan said, describing the update as administrative work, The San Francisco Standard reported.
The team signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024. Despite the high-value contract, a return to the active lineup in Santa Clara remains off the table.
A trade before the league deadline appears unlikely. Aiyuk has not played an NFL game in 25 months, leaving league observers uncertain about his current playing health, The San Francisco Standard reported. If he is healthy, the franchise is expected to release him rather than integrate him back into team activities.
Injury led to contract voiding
Aiyuk appeared in seven games during the 2024 season before tearing knee ligaments. That injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
🚨🚨 The #NFL is reinstating San Francisco #49ers Brandon Aiyuk pic.twitter.com/fgPRQ0fTz4
During his rehabilitation in the summer of 2025, Aiyuk stopped reporting to team headquarters. The franchise responded by voiding the guarantees remaining in his contract, The San Francisco Standard reported. In December 2025, the organization placed him on the reserve/left squad list.
The wide receiver posted several videos during the offseason criticizing team leadership, including Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. He also parted ways with agent Ryan Williams in July before hiring Rosenhaus in October, The San Francisco Standard reported.
Agent confirms readiness to play
He’s healthy,
Rosenhaus said before meeting with club officials, The San Francisco Standard reported. He’s ready to get back to work. We don’t really have any comment about where he’s going to play. We’ll keep that between us and the Niners, but obviously we are here with all the right intentions.
Neither side has confirmed if or when Aiyuk will play professional football again. General manager John Lynch noted on KNBR that the situation involves circumstances without a traditional playbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the roster exemption expire?
The two-game roster exemption granted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expires on November 23, setting the deadline for the 49ers to make a decision.
How long has Aiyuk been away from game action?
Aiyuk has not played an NFL game in 25 months, following a knee ligament tear during his seven-game campaign in 2024.
Who represents Aiyuk in contract discussions?
Drew Rosenhaus represents the wide receiver after Aiyuk hired him in October, replacing his former agent Ryan Williams.