The NFL has told Brandon Aiyuk he must repay the 49ers about $13 million in bonuses as the estranged receiver tries to get reinstated, with Tuesday's trade deadline approaching.
The league sent Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association a letter Thursday, Nov. 5, saying he owes the money based on bonuses paid after his four-year, $120 million extension in 2024, the AP reported via NFL.com. Aiyuk and his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, met with the team for about an hour Friday at its business offices near Levi's Stadium.
"I'm back to 100 percent and looking to get reinstated into the National Football League," Aiyuk said. Rosenhaus declined to share details of the meeting: "To be continued."
Shanahan: 'Zero to do with our football team'
Coach Kyle Shanahan said he had no role in the meeting. "I [couldn't] care less," he said, Pro Football Talk reported. "Anything that has zero to do with our football team, especially during the season, I will give zero thoughts to." General manager John Lynch told KNBR the team was working with the NFL Management Council on a "unique" situation.
Where it stands
Aiyuk has not played since tearing knee ligaments on Oct. 20, 2024, and has been on the reserve/left squad list since Dec. 13, 2025. Rosenhaus filed for reinstatement Oct. 27, but the league had not reinstated him as of Friday. He will remain under contract with the 49ers once reinstated. The trade deadline is 1 p.m. PT Tuesday, Nov. 10. Earlier: Aiyuk files for reinstatement and 49ers at the trade deadline.