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It appears the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are headed for a tough ending despite the veteran wide receiver signing a long-term deal with the franchise last season.
Aiyuk, who was out the entire season due to a knee injury he suffered during the 2024 campaign, was expected to return at some point in 2025.
But the situation has become so tense that The Athletic reports that San Francisco has canceled the guaranteed money in his contract for 2026, a $24.935 million option bonus.
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 on the field before the start of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
The outlet reports that Aiyuk “has not attended meetings and refused to participate in other team activities over the past few months,” which has caused some frustration within the organization.
“The 49ers, according to sources, responded by voiding guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, saying the absences amounted to a breach of his contractual obligations,” The Athletic reports.
“Aiyuk, according to multiple league sources, told NFL Players Association representatives that he did not want to object to the decision via a formal grievance. This would pave the way for his planned 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.
However, Aiyuk tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee in October of that year, ending his season and keeping him sidelined for most of the 2025 campaign.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk runs with the ball after a catch during training camp at SAP Performance Facility. (Robert Edwards/USA Today Sports)
Given the magnitude of the extension, it would be surprising 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 established himself as the 49ers’ leading pass catcher with 1,342 yards on 75 catches and seven touchdowns. That success led the Arizona State product to seek a new contract ahead of the 2024 season, even though he had one year remaining on his rookie contract after the 49ers picked up his fifth-year option.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is shown before a game against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium on September 9, 2024. (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)
Now, it’s unclear if 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 will take place in Week 14.
