49ers seek repayment of $13 million bonus as Brandon Aiyuk pursues free agency
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may owe the San Francisco 49ers about $13 million in bonus forfeiture, creating a potential obstacle to his release and free-agent signing.
San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s attempt to become a free agent is complicated by a reported $13 million bonus forfeiture owed to the 49ers. A tweet by Tom Pelissero noted that the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association are involved in discussions that could lead to a repayment agreement or arbitration.
If Aiyuk reaches an agreement to repay the amount, the 49ers could release him; otherwise, the team may retain him on the roster while the dispute proceeds under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The league has not yet recorded any reinstatement transaction for Aiyuk.
The situation highlights the financial and procedural steps that can affect a player’s ability to change teams, with resolution potentially influencing when Aiyuk could join a new organization.