Brandon Aiyuk wants to play football again. The estranged San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his agent.

Rosenhaus said Monday that he is "working on getting [Aiyuk] back to work and playing again in the NFL."

Aiyuk, 28, has not played since Oct. 20, 2024. He tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee that day against the Kansas City Chiefs.

A long split with the 49ers

Aiyuk and the team have been at odds for most of the time since the injury.

In July 2025 the 49ers voided about $27 million in guaranteed money on his contract. The team said he did not do the required rehab sessions and check-ins that offseason.

He was placed on the reserve/left squad list in December after he stopped showing up at the team facility. When he did not report to training camp this July, he went to the reserve/did not report list.

That means the 49ers are not paying him right now. He also does not count against their roster.

What has to happen next

To play again, Aiyuk must first apply to the NFL for reinstatement. If he is reinstated, San Francisco will have to decide what to do with his rights.

The team has tried to trade him before without success. Releasing him is seen as the more likely outcome. General manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have made it clear he will not play for the 49ers again.

When Shanahan was asked in September about a possible reunion, he answered with one word: "No."

The Washington question

Over the summer Aiyuk hinted more than once that he wanted to join the Washington Commanders. He is friends with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels from their time together at Arizona State.

It is not clear that Washington is still an option. The Commanders have since signed veteran Stefon Diggs.

Before the knee injury, Aiyuk was one of the league's most productive receivers. He caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 and was named second-team All-Pro.