NFL Reinstates Aiyuk, Grants 49ers Two-Week Exemption
22 sourcesUpdated Nov 10, 20261 min read
The NFL reinstated Brandon Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list, giving the San Francisco 49ers a two-week roster exemption through Nov. 23 to decide whether to add, trade or release him. Aiyuk, 28, sought reinstatement after hiring agent Drew Rosenhaus and meeting with team officials; he says he is healthy and wants to return after tearing his ACL and MCL in October 2024. A reunion appears unlikely because the 49ers have indicated they do not plan to play him, though a trade or negotiated release remains possible. The team says Aiyuk owes about $13 million in bonus money and has voided $27 million in 2026 guarantees. If Aiyuk remains on the roster at the relevant deadline, he could be owed a game check, while a trade could give another team his services for the rest of the season at relatively low non-guaranteed pay.
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What each side asserts, disputes — or leaves out entirely.
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Two weeks gives the front office time to move on without rushing a bad roster decision.
Aiyuk claims he's healthy but sat out long enough that a trade feels like the only clean option now.
The 49ers should get every penny of that bonus money back since Aiyuk won't suit up for them.
