Brandon Aiyuk's Status Updated in New NFL Rumors, Latest on 49ers Return, Commanders' Interest Level

As Brandon Aiyuk is taking steps to get reinstated to the NFL, the veteran wide receiver reportedly has a lot of work to do convincing teams he can hope to contribute.

Per The Athletic's Jonathan Jones, it could take "days, weeks or even months" for Aiyuk's situation to get resolved in a way that allows him to get back on the field.

Jones cited one source who explained Aiyuk has to check three boxes that would give him a chance to potentially play this season. The first two involve the San Francisco 49ers, including him being on his "best behavior" when he met with the team on Friday and the Niners wanting to move on from this quickly.

The third is finding at least one team that thinks it is "worth" investing in Aiyuk.

"That means he must be healthy and trustworthy," Jones wrote.

One team that was often connected to Aiyuk in the offseason was the Washington Commanders.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday the Commanders "haven't completely abandoned" the idea of adding Aiyuk, but they want to "have discussions with multiple people" before going down that road.

Aiyuk and agent Drew Rosenhaus, who was hired by the wideout earlier this week, officially met with 49ers officials on Friday. There was no resolution to their situation coming out of it, with Rosenhaus telling reporters it was "to be continued."

The first step for Aiyuk before he can find a new team is the 49ers have to release him. Given the comments from head coach Kyle Shanahan this week, it seems all but certain they have no interest in him playing for them ever again.

Per the Associated Press, the league has informed Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association he has owes the 49ers $13 million based on bonuses he was paid after signing his four-year, $120 million extension.

Aiyuk was originally placed on the reserve/left squad list in December 2025 after he stopped showing up the 49ers' facilities for meetings and other team activities.

The 28-year-old filed the paperwork to apply for reinstatement this week. The NFL has not yet approved his application.

Aiyuk has not appeared in a game since Week 7 of the 2024 season when he tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs.

A first-round pick in the 2020 draft, Aiyuk recorded 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in 59 games over five seasons with the 49ers. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.