Updated

Updated · Fox News · Nov 3

Brandon Aiyuk Hires Drew Rosenhaus to Revive NFL Career After $27 Million Guarantees Were Voided

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Nov 3

Brandon Aiyuk Hires Drew Rosenhaus to Revive NFL Career After $27 Million Guarantees Were Voided

Q: Will Brandon Aiyuk ever regain his elite form following a devastating knee injury and a massive contract dispute?

Yes, but it is far from likely that he returns to his 2023 peak. Aiyuk’s talent is not in doubt. Before the injury, he was coming off a 1,342-yard, second-team All-Pro season and was one of the NFL’s most efficient receivers. At 28, he is not too old for a comeback, and hiring Drew Rosenhaus is a meaningful sign that he wants back in the league. The bigger issue is whether he can clear three hurdles at once: health, rust and trust. This was not a routine injury. He tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus, then missed nearly two full seasons. Even for high-level athletes, that kind of layoff can sap explosion, timing and route sharpness. Wide receivers can come back from major knee injuries, but regaining elite separation ability after such a long absence is much harder than simply returning to play. The off-field damage may be just as important. San Francisco voided roughly $27 million in guarantees after missed rehab sessions, and the relationship deteriorated to the point that the 49ers have made clear he is done there. Before he can play, he still must be reinstated, and any new team would need confidence not only in his knee but also in his commitment and reliability. So the realistic outlook is this: Aiyuk still has enough ability to earn another NFL chance if Rosenhaus can help resolve the reinstatement process and find a landing spot. But a full return to elite form should be viewed as possible rather than probable.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 3

Brandon Aiyuk, 28, signed with agent Drew Rosenhaus on Monday in a bid to restart an NFL career that has been stalled since his October 2024 knee injury.
About $27 million in guarantees were voided by the 49ers in July 2025 after Aiyuk skipped mandatory rehab, and the team later placed him on reserve/left squad and reserve/did not report lists.
Any exit from San Francisco still hinges on league reinstatement, because the 49ers cannot cut or trade him until that process is completed.
Aiyuk's options already look narrow: Kyle Shanahan said "No" in September when asked about a reunion, and Washington moved on by signing Stefon Diggs after Aiyuk pushed for a trade there.
His 1,342-yard 2023 season shows the talent Rosenhaus is trying to market, but two years away from contact and off-field trouble — including a June 2026 arrest warrant tied to a 104-mph video — have damaged his standing.