Brandon Aiyuk Looks Close to Leaving the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers had hoped star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would return this season, but now it looks like his time with the team may be almost over. Aiyuk has been on the PUP list since July after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs. Coaches once believed he might return late this year, but that no longer seems likely.

Reporters Diana Russini and Michael Silver say many people around the team believe Brandon Aiyuk has already played his last game as a 49er. A small group hopes the situation can be fixed, but most feel it’s too late. Sources say Aiyuk has missed team meetings and has been away from team activities for months. The 49ers are frustrated because he hasn’t communicated with them at all.

Because of his long absences, the team voided all of his guaranteed money for 2026. They say his actions broke the contract. Brandon Aiyuk told the NFLPA he will not fight the decision, which makes it easier for the 49ers to release him after the season ends. Neither Aiyuk, his agent Ryan Williams, nor the team has commented on the situation.

Brandon Aiyuk is rarely seen at the team facility. Sources say he comes in very early in the morning to work out, then leaves before other players arrive. Even teammates who tried contacting him have not received any response. Some inside the locker room believe his exit would hurt team confidence because it would feel like their star receiver no longer believes they can win a Super Bowl.

The money part of this issue is also big. By removing his guarantees, the 49ers cleared nearly $27 million for 2026. This includes a $24.935 million option bonus, a $1.215 million salary, a $100,000 workout bonus, and $750,000 in roster bonuses. Aiyuk still counts as a $15.39 million cap hit next season, but without guarantees, moving on from him becomes much easier for the team.

This is not the first time the relationship has been tense. Before Aiyuk signed his four-year, $120 million extension, talks dragged on for months. He skipped workouts, missed minicamp, paid more than $100,000 in fines, and even requested a trade. He also sent pointed messages on social media and once texted the front office “Fire pick” after they drafted Ricky Pearsall.

It looked like everything had settled after he signed the extension, but now the same old problems have returned. And this time, the separation between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers feels much closer to becoming real.

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