Brandon Aiyuk has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, as the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver works toward an NFL return. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Aiyuk was close to hiring new representation in an effort to get back onto a roster.
Aiyuk, 28, has not played since 2024 and currently holds reserve/left squad status with the 49ers.
The Main Development
Rosenhaus confirmed the arrangement to Schefter, saying he is “working on getting him back to work and playing again in the NFL.” The comment signals that Aiyuk’s new camp is actively pursuing a path back to the field rather than simply exploring options.
Aiyuk will still need to formally file for reinstatement with the league before he can rejoin any team’s active roster, per Schefter’s reporting.
What It Means
Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers. The team placed him on a left squad designation in July, which keeps him tied to San Francisco’s deal while not counting against the 53-man roster. According to Schultz, Aiyuk has not yet applied for reinstatement, a necessary step before any team, including the 49ers, could activate him.
The hiring of Rosenhaus, one of the NFL’s most prominent agents, suggests Aiyuk is seeking a more organized push toward reinstatement than his previous efforts.
Context
Aiyuk previously spent an offseason posting Instagram videos in hopes of landing with the Washington Commanders, an effort that did not result in a roster spot, per Schultz. That attempt came without formal representation guiding the process, a contrast to the current approach with Rosenhaus now involved.
Schultz reported it would be surprising if Aiyuk played a snap for any team during the 2026 season given where things currently stand.
What’s Next
The next confirmed step is Aiyuk filing for reinstatement with the league, a requirement before he can be cleared to play for the 49ers or any other team. No timeline for that filing has been reported. San Francisco’s receiver situation remains a storyline to track as the team continues its season, including its recent matchup with the Seattle Seahawks for first place in the NFC West.
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