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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Brandon Aiyuk and his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, appeared outside of the San Francisco 49ers' business offices on Friday, making a statement about his NFL return.
Aiyuk tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2024 and hasn't played since. After drama between him and the 49ers over his missed mandatory rehab sessions, among other issues, the former 2020 first-round pick is now working towards NFL reinstatement.
After reportedly filing paperwork to be reinstated from the reserve/left-squad list that the 49ers put him on, a meeting with the team could help him move towards that goal.
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"You know, feeling great, feeling healthy. It's a long recovery process. A long rehab process. But I'm back to 100% and looking to get reinstated in the National Football League," Aiyuk said in a brief statement to reporters on Friday.
San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch suggested that "everything is possible" regarding a reunion between Aiyuk and the team. According to ESPN, head coach Kyle Shanahan made a very similar remark.
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Ahead of meeting with the team on Friday, Aiyuk's agent shut down questions on which team his client might play for after NFL reinstatement.
"Don't really have any comment about where he's going to play. We'll keep that between us and the Niners, but, obviously, we're here with all the right intentions," Rosenhaus told reporters.
According to The Associated Press, the NFL told Aiyuk he owes about $13 million to the 49ers in bonus forfeitures. These are connected to the four-year, $120 million extension that Aiyuk signed in 2024. Reportedly, the NFL Management Council is working with Aiyuk and the 49ers to negotiate a resolution or repayment.
It's been a dramatic situation between Aiyuk and the 49ers since his injury in 2024. Aside from a surprising reunion after his reinstatement, Aiyuk could be traded or released by the team.
A trade would need to occur quickly, as the NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. ET. If a reunion with the 49ers is out of the question, it seems a release would be more likely, which would allow Aiyuk to sign with another team.
He was the 49ers' No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has appeared in 69 games with 67 starts. Aiyuk tallied 4,305 receiving yards on 294 receptions and had 25 receiving touchdowns during his time spent playing for the team.
Aiyuk mentioned earlier this year that he would like to play for the Washington Commanders next. He and quarterback Jayden Daniels were teammates at Arizona State during the 2019 season. However, it remains to be seen whether he joins the NFC East squad or another one if and when he is reinstated.
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