San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is inching closer to a NFL return after being officially reinstated by the league on Monday, Nov. 9, per the league's daily transaction notice.
Aiyuk's reinstatement marks his return from the Reserve/Left Squad list he was placed on by the Niners. The 28-year-old said he's healthy before a 75-minute meeting with the 49ers alongside his newly hired agent Drew Rosenhaus on Nov. 6.
"I'm feeling great, feeling healthy in my recovery process, in my rehab process," Aiyuk said. "(I'm) back to 100% and looking to get reinstated into the National Football League."
The commissioner has granted a two-game roster exemption for the 49ers to decide how they will proceed with Aiyuk and his contract. The exemption will expire
on Monday, Nov. 23 after the 49ers' Week 11 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City.
Aiyuk hasn't played since Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season due to an ACL and MCL injury. He missed the entire 2025 season for surgery and rehab, and was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Aiyuk missed rehab sessions that led to forfeiture of contract guarantees and placement on the reserve/left squad list.
Aiyuk hasn't played in two seasons, but that all can end really soon. Here are the 49ers' options for Aiyuk moving forward:
What's next for Brandon Aiyuk after reinstatement?
The 49ers' two-week exemption starts now and they have a few options on what they can do with Aiyuk.
San Francisco has a designated window, until Nov. 23, to evaluate Aiyuk on where he is physically and if they choose to work out any contractual or disciplinary matters. The ball is still in the Niners' court to decide whether to add Aiyuk to the active 53-man roster, or trade or release him.
Will the 49ers keep Brandon Aiyuk?
The 49ers could keep Aiyuk for the remainder of the season.
All things considered, it's highly unlikely that they continue the Aiyuk saga. San Francisco had long washed their hands of him. Niners general manager John Lynch said during a Jan. 21 news conference that Aiyuk has most likely "played his last snap" for San Francisco.
"It's unfortunate, you know, situation that just went awry," Lynch said. "We'll explore anything to make our football team better."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan reiterated the general manager's remarks from months ago.
"It's been over for our football team for a long time," Shanahan said on the Aiyuk situation. "I don't hear much except questions about him... But, it's not too big of a deal for me to answer."
Will the 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk?
A trade seems like the most plausible scenario. San Francisco has been searching for a trade partner since at least January, but probably even before that.
It's hard to move an injured player but with his reinstatement, the Niners might have an easier time finding a suitor to send Aiyuk to. However, they need to act fast.
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT). If Aiyuk is healthy like he and Rosenhaus say he is then he could be a solid wideout addition to many teams in need of a wide receiver who draws attention, makes spectacular catches and fights for yardage after the catch.
Will the 49ers cut Brandon Aiyuk?
San Francisco's last resort – if they can't find a team to trade with where they would receive assets in return – is to cut Aiyuk.
They could keep him, but Aiyuk has indicated in many ways that there is no desire for any reconciliation with the football organization. The hope for the 49ers is to get something back in return for him.
However, if it hits the fan, the 49ers will likely look to release Aiyuk.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk reinstated by NFL. What's next?
