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It appears the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are headed for a messy finish despite the veteran wide receiver signing a long-term deal with the franchise last offseason.
Aiyuk, who has been out all season with a knee injury he suffered during the 2024 campaign, was expected to return at some point in 2025.
But the situation has become so strained. The Athletic reports that San Francisco has voided the guaranteed money in his 2026 contract, a $24.935 million option.
Due to this reported void, it is now believed that Aiyuk’s time in the Bay Area may soon be coming to an end.
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk walks onto the field before the start of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Photos)
The outlet reports that Aiyuk “failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months,” leading to frustration within the organization.
“The 49ers, sources say, responded by voiding the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s 2026 contract, claiming the absence was a failure to meet his contractual obligations,” The Athletic reports.
“Aiyuk told NFL Players Association representatives he did not want to fight the move via an official grievance, according to multiple league sources. That would clear the way for his expected release at the end of the season.”
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Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the organization in August 2024 after a rollercoaster period of contract disputes.
But Aiyuk tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee in October of that year, ending his season and keeping him on the sidelines for most of the 2025 campaign.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk runs with the ball after a catch during training camp at the SAP Performance Facility. (Robert Edwards/USA Today Sports)
Given the size of the extension, it would be a surprise if Aiyuk becomes a free agent in 2026. He was the team’s first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and had a breakout season in 2022, totaling 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns.
Then, in 2023, Aiyuk cemented himself as the 49ers’ top pass catcher with 1,342 yards on 75 catches and seven touchdowns. That success led the Arizona State product to seek a new contract before the 2024 season despite having a year remaining on his rookie deal after the 49ers picked up his fifth-year option.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is introduced before a game against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium on September 9, 2024. (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Photos)
Now it’s unclear whether Aiyuk will play again for San Francisco, which is making a playoff push with a 7-4 record heading into Week 12. The 49ers are still among the teams that have yet to have their bye week, which comes in Week 14.
