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It appears the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are headed for a tough ending despite the veteran receiver signing a long-term contract with the franchise last season.
Aiyuk, who was out the entire season with a knee injury suffered during the 2024 campaign, was expected to return sometime in 2025.
But the situation has become so tense, The Athletic reports that San Francisco voided the guaranteed money in his 2026 contract, a $24.935 million option bonus.
Due to this reported gap, it is now believed that Aiyuk’s time in the Bay Area could 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. (Images by Cary Edmondson-Imagn)
The outlet reports that Aiyuk “failed to attend meetings and refused 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 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 oppose the move through an official complaint. 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.
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 the SAP Performance Facility. (Robert Edwards/USA Today Sports)
Given the size of the extension, it would be a surprise if Aiyuk became 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’ top pass catcher with 1,342 yards on 75 receptions and seven touchdowns. That success led the Arizona State product to seek a new contract ahead of the 2024 season despite having one year left on his rookie contract after the 49ers exercised 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. (Images by Darren Yamashita-Imagn)
Now, it’s unclear if Aiyuk will play again for San Francisco, which is advancing toward the playoffs with a 7-4 record heading into Week 12. The 49ers are still among the teams that don’t yet have their bye week, which will come in Week 14.
