Brandon Aiyuk faces a lengthy process to return to the NFL after applying for reinstatement, while the 49ers and Commanders evaluate the veteran wide receiver.

Veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is taking critical steps to get reinstated to the NFL, though he reportedly faces a difficult challenge in convincing league teams that he can contribute effectively on the field.

According to reports from The Athletic's Jonathan Jones, the complicated situation surrounding the 28-year-old pass catcher could take days, weeks, or even months to resolve before he can finally play again, according to information published by bleache.

Aiyuk officially filed paperwork this week to apply for reinstatement after being placed on the reserve list in December 2025. The league has not yet approved his application, and the NFL Players Association is monitoring developments closely.

Brandon Aiyuk meeting with San Francisco 49ers

Aiyuk and his newly hired agent, Drew Rosenhaus, officially met with San Francisco 49ers officials on Friday to discuss his future. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the front office appear ready to move on, with no resolution coming out of the initial discussion.

The first step for Aiyuk to find a new franchise is for the San Francisco 49ers to release him. League sources indicate that the organization has no interest in seeing him play for them ever again following a tumultuous period of missed team activities.

Financial hurdles and contract obligations

Complicating matters further, an Associated Press source revealed that the NFL informed Aiyuk and the players association that he owes the 49ers approximately $13 million in bonuses paid after signing his four-year extension.

The financial dispute stems from bonuses tied to his lucrative $120 million contract extension. Aiyuk has not appeared in a regular-season game since suffering severe knee injuries against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 of the 2024 campaign.

Washington Commanders trade and signing interest

Despite the off-field hurdles, teams are still evaluating the former first-round draft pick. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport noted that the Washington Commanders have not completely abandoned adding Aiyuk.

Commanders leadership reportedly wants to conduct multiple discussions before pursuing the veteran wideout. Analysts note that any interested franchise must evaluate if Aiyuk remains fully healthy and trustworthy after missing significant playing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brandon Aiyuk's current NFL status?

Brandon Aiyuk has applied for reinstatement to the NFL after being placed on the reserve list by the San Francisco 49ers in December 2025. League approval is still pending, and analysts report it could take weeks or months to resolve.

Are the Washington Commanders interested in signing Brandon Aiyuk?

According to reports from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the Washington Commanders have not completely abandoned the idea of adding Aiyuk, though they plan to hold multiple internal discussions first.

Why does Brandon Aiyuk owe money to the 49ers?

An Associated Press source stated that the NFL informed Aiyuk he owes the San Francisco 49ers about $13 million in bonuses paid out after he signed his four-year, $120 million contract extension.