Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers appear headed for a divorce just 15 months after signing a four-year, $120 million extension. The team has voided his 2026 contract guarantees amid frustrations over his absences and lack of communication. Aiyuk, sidelined by a knee injury, has not played this season and is likely to be released at the end of the year.
Brandon Aiyuk's relationship with the San Francisco 49ers has deteriorated significantly since signing his extension in August 2024. The wide receiver, a first-round pick in 2020, suffered a season-ending knee injury on October 20, 2024, against the Kansas City Chiefs, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. He underwent reconstructive surgery in mid-November 2024 and has remained on the physically unable to perform list since July 2025, with no activation yet.
Sources indicate Aiyuk has failed to attend meetings, declined team activities, and maintained a scarce presence at the training facility. He typically works out early and leaves before others arrive. The 49ers voided his 2026 guarantees, citing a failure to fulfill contractual obligations. This includes a $24.935 million option bonus, $1.215 million base salary, $100,000 workout bonus, and $750,000 per game in roster bonuses. Aiyuk informed NFL Players Association representatives he would not file a grievance, paving the way for an expected release after the season.
The tensions trace back to a contentious 2024 offseason holdout. Aiyuk skipped activities before staging a hold-in at training camp, citing back and neck issues. Trade discussions involved the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers, with Aiyuk open to a deal with Pittsburgh that included second- and third-round picks. However, he ultimately accepted the 49ers' offer, which included $76 million in guarantees, after a last-minute meeting with coach Kyle Shanahan.
In 2024, Aiyuk started slowly with 13 receptions for 167 yards in the first four games. An incident in late September saw him upset over practice shorts, leading to him tossing gear. He rebounded with 12 catches for 147 yards against the Arizona Cardinals before the injury. That year, he had 25 receptions for 374 yards total. The 49ers finished 6-11, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
In 2023, Aiyuk excelled with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors and ranking second in the NFL in yards per reception at 17.9. At 27, Aiyuk could enter free agency with questions about his knee health, potentially seeking a short-term deal.