The NFL told Brandon Aiyuk he must repay about $13 million in bonuses to the San Francisco 49ers as he seeks reinstatement.
The big picture: Aiyuk filed paperwork to return to the NFL and met with the 49ers on Friday alongside new agent Drew Rosenhaus. The financial dispute now sits beside the question of where the receiver will play after more than two years away.
- A person familiar with the matter said the league sent Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association a letter Thursday saying the bonuses must be repaid. The letter itself was not released.
By the numbers: The 49ers are seeking about $13 million from a four-year, $120 million extension Aiyuk signed before the 2024 season. He has not played since suffering a knee injury in October 2024.
What they're saying: "I'm feeling great, feeling healthy," Aiyuk said after a long rehabilitation. "But I'm back to 100 percent and looking to get reinstated into the National Football League."
- Rosenhaus said Aiyuk was ready to work and arrived with the right intentions, while declining to discuss where he might play. The meeting lasted about an hour.
Yes, but: Coach Kyle Shanahan said the football team moved on from the situation long ago. General manager John Lynch called it a unique and fluid case and said the club is working with the NFL Management Council.
What's next: Aiyuk will remain under contract with San Francisco if the NFL reinstates him, even though Lynch previously said he does not expect the receiver to play for the team again.
Why it matters: The ruling turns a roster dispute into a rare eight-figure repayment fight and could shape how teams enforce bonus terms when a player leaves the squad.
