What we know
What we know: NFL tells Brandon Aiyuk he owes the 49ers about $13M, AP source says
Compiled Nov 6
What we know
- The NFL told Brandon Aiyuk he needs to repay the San Francisco 49ers about $13 million in previously received bonuses
- Aiyuk's new agent Drew Rosenhaus said Aiyuk submitted paperwork to the NFL to get reinstated and planned to report to the 49ers on Friday
- The league sent Aiyuk and the NFLPA a letter Thursday stating he owes the money based on bonuses paid after signing a four-year, $120 million extension before the 2024 season
- 49ers GM John Lynch called it a 'unique' situation the team is trying to work through with the NFL management council
- Aiyuk hasn't played a game in more than two years since a knee injury in October 2024 and has been on the reserve/left squad list
- The 49ers previously voided $27 million guaranteed in Aiyuk's contract for 2026 for failing to participate in meetings and team activities last summer
What we don’t know yet
- The letter from the NFL was not released, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity
- Lynch said the situation is 'fluid' and declined to elaborate further, saying he was recommended not to
- Lynch has said he doesn't expect Aiyuk to play for the Niners again, while Shanahan said 'there are no absolutes in life' when asked if Aiyuk could play for San Francisco again
Open questions
- Will Aiyuk actually pay back the $13 million, and how will that be resolved?
- Will Aiyuk be reinstated to the 49ers roster despite the financial dispute?
- Will Aiyuk ever play for the 49ers again given Lynch's and Shanahan's comments?
- What specific terms or conditions is the NFL management council negotiating between the two sides?
Drawn from the Associated Press report. “What we don’t know” lists only what the reporting itself flags as unresolved.