Brandon Aiyuk still on Reserve/Left Team list in 2026
By Michael
Brandon Aiyuk still stuck on Reserve/Left Team list
Brandon Aiyuk, WR for the San Francisco 49ers, remains on the Reserve/Left Team list as of the 2026 offseason. He does not count against the 49ers' 90-man roster, he does not count against their salary cap, and he is not being paid. Nothing moves forward until he acts.
Per Adam Schefter and Spotrac, Aiyuk has not yet submitted the required reinstatement letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler confirmed that paperwork has not been filed. The process requires Aiyuk to send a letter to the NFL's player personnel department addressed to Goodell, with a copy to the 49ers. That one step is the only thing that unlocks any next move.
Why teams can't trade for him yet
Aiyuk is effectively untradeable in his current state. Teams around the league have told ESPN as much. The 49ers cannot trade him or release him until the reinstatement process is complete. GM John Lynch has said it is "safe to say" Aiyuk has played his last snap in a 49ers uniform, and Aiyuk has publicly expressed interest in joining the Washington Commanders to play with Jayden Daniels. But none of that matters until the paperwork goes in.
The 49ers voided $27 million in 2026 guaranteed money from Aiyuk's four-year, $120 million extension after he failed to participate in team activities. He reportedly chose not to file a grievance. A trade or release would cost the 49ers roughly $29.6 million in dead cap.
What this means for your roster
Aiyuk is a fantasy non-factor right now. Do not roster him in redraft leagues. Dynasty managers should hold if they already have him, but expect no clarity until he files for reinstatement. Even after that, he is coming off torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus injuries suffered in October 2024 and played only seven games under his extension. His landing spot and health both need to resolve before he has real fantasy value again.