NFL Contract: Aiyuk Hires Rosenhaus to Secure Reinstatement
The 28-year-old wideout signed with the agent on Monday to resolve his dispute with San Francisco and return to active roster status.
By Fatou Kim ·
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk officially signed with sports agent Drew Rosenhaus on Monday. The move marks a formal effort to resolve Aiyuk's ongoing dispute with the San Francisco 49ers and clear the path for his return to the league.
Aiyuk, 28, has not played a down since suffering a knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2024. The 49ers voided approximately $27 million in contract guarantees in July 2025 after Aiyuk skipped mandatory rehabilitation sessions. The team subsequently placed him on the reserve/left squad and reserve/did not report lists.
The conflict escalated over the summer as Aiyuk used social media to demand a trade and a release. He publicly campaigned to join the Washington Commanders and former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. The situation reached a legal flashpoint in June 2026 when an arrest warrant was issued after Aiyuk posted a video of himself running a 40-yard dash at 104 mph outside Levi's Stadium.
San Francisco front office leadership has maintained a firm stance against a reunion. General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Aiyuk is finished in the Bay Area. When asked in September 2026 if injuries to other wide receivers might prompt a return, Shanahan answered, "No." Washington also closed its window of opportunity by signing Stefon Diggs.
Rosenhaus is now tasked with securing formal league reinstatement. This step is required before the 49ers can cut or trade Aiyuk. The agent has a history of managing high-profile wide receivers with public disputes, including Terrell Owens, Antonio Brown, and Johnny Manziel.
Aiyuk entered the controversy after posting 1,342 receiving yards in the 2023 season. He is currently without a team contract, though San Francisco holds his rights without paying him a salary. Rosenhaus must now negotiate with the league office to clear the procedural hurdles that have stalled the 28-year-old's career for two seasons.
