Jeremy Fowler: 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk hasn’t filed paperwork for NFL reinstatement

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has made it clear that he wants to play elsewhere. However, for now, he remains on the team's reserve/left squad list—and according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Aiyuk has yet to take the necessary step to remove himself from it.

Aiyuk has recently taken several shots at the 49ers on social media, making it clear he wants to play for the Washington Commanders. However, the way he has handled the situation has sparked growing concern around the league.

"He's lighting money on fire, is what he's doing, every time he puts an Instagram video out," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on NFL Live. "He is on the left squad list for the 49ers still. To get off that list, he has to apply to Commissioner Roger Goodell, he has to file paperwork. I'm told that hasn't happened."

Aiyuk cut off communication with the 49ers after the team voided guaranteed money in his contract as a penalty. According to reports, San Francisco's inability to monitor the receiver's rehabilitation from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in 2024 played a significant role in that decision.

The 49ers had hoped a trade partner would emerge, allowing them to receive compensation for the disgruntled wideout. However, an eventual release appears more likely.

"I'm told the 49ers haven't given any sort of firm indication to him whether he's going to be cut, traded, whatever," Fowler said. "Teams I've talked to say that he's essentially untradeable right now.

"And I've talked to some people around the league who think that when he does get cut, if he gets cut, that he might have to sign a vet minimum deal somewhere because of how all this has gone."

While Aiyuk has repeatedly stated that he plans to sign with the Commanders if the 49ers release him, Fowler isn't convinced Washington is eager to add another receiver—at least, not just yet.

"It's a buyer-beware situation, certainly," Fowler said. "Clearly, he wants to go to Washington. Washington's not planning to sign a receiver right now—maybe closer to training camp, they revisit it. But the outlook is not great for him right now."