Brandon Aiyuk hires Rosenhaus to seek NFL reinstatement after 13 months away

Brandon Aiyuk is making a serious push to get back on an NFL field. According to ESPN ^[2], the estranged San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has hired Drew Rosenhaus to represent him. Rosenhaus confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that he is "working on getting [Aiyuk] back to work and playing again in the NFL." This move signals a potential shift for the 28-year-old, who has not played since October 20, 2024, when he suffered a catastrophic knee injury.

The New York Post ^[1] notes that Rosenhaus is considered one of the most successful and polarizing agents in football. He has represented high-profile talents like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Carter. Aiyuk claimed he had been without representation since November 2025, though reports from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk indicated he had never officially completed the termination process for his previous agent.

Aiyuk’s journey has been turbulent. After tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus against the Kansas City Chiefs, he spent most of the time at war with the 49ers organization. The team placed him on the reserve/left team list in December 2025 after he stopped showing up to team activities. ESPN ^[2] reported that the 49ers voided roughly $27 million in guaranteed money in July 2025 because Aiyuk failed to complete requisite rehab sessions.

The conflict escalated publicly last summer. Aiyuk took to social media to call 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch "weirdos." He also faced legal issues, with the New York Post ^[1] reporting he was issued a warrant for a misdemeanor speeding charge in June.

Despite the drama, Aiyuk had previously expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders to play with quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, ESPN ^[2] notes that Washington has since signed Stefon Diggs, making that path unclear.

To play again, Aiyuk must apply for reinstatement with the NFL. If granted, the 49ers will have to decide his fate. Both Shanahan and Lynch have made it clear Aiyuk has played his last snap in San Francisco. Shanahan explicitly said "no" when asked about a reunion in September.

Before the injury, Aiyuk was an All-Pro talent, posting 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. With Rosenhaus on his side, the next steps are critical for his career revival.