The ongoing saga between the San Francisco 49ers and star Receiver Brandon Aiyuk seems to be heading toward a potential divorce, according to multiple reports. These reports state that the 49ers have started the process of splitting with Aiyuk by the end of the season.
How the 49ers and Aiyuk’s Relationship Got To This Point
In a newly released article in The Athletic by Diana Russini and Michael Silver, San Francisco had reportedly grown frustrated with Aiyuk over the last several months. These frustrations seem to stem from Aiyuk failing to attend team meetings and also refusing to participate in other team activities. Aiyuk was placed on the PUP list at the beginning of the season as the star receiver was still in the process of rehabbing from a torn ACL and MCL that he suffered last season.
The 49ers had hoped Aiyuk could return at some point this season. However, with this latest reporting surrounding the deteriorated relationship between the two parties, Aiyuk may never suit up for the 49ers again. In the article written by Russini and Silver, one source within the team said that the franchise had “grown increasingly frustrated with the receiver’s lack of communication with the team this season”.
San Francisco Begins the Process Of a Possible Release Of Aiyuk
Due to the reported actions of Aiyuk, the 49ers have now started voiding the guaranteed money included in Aiyuk’s newly minted contract for the 2026 season. One source stated that this move was done because of Aiyuk’s “failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.” The former Arizona State product signed a $120 million extension with the 49ers in 2024 after an impressive 2023 season that saw Aiyuk make the All-Pro second team.
Aiyuk has also reportedly told the NFLPA that he did not want to fight the move by the 49ers to void his guaranteed money for next season, as it would clear the way for him to be released by the team next offseason. Aiyuk’s reported cap hit for the 49ers next season, before San Francisco voided his 2026 guaranteed money, was set to cost the team $15.3 million.
Aiyuk’s Future If the 49ers Release Him
While this saga with San Francisco will certainly turn away some teams from picking up the star receiver, there will also be plenty of teams seeking to acquire Aiyuk’s services. Aiyuk is set to turn 28 next March with a decent amount of gas left in the tank despite the previously mentioned ACL injury.
There have not yet been any reports on potential suitors for Aiyuk, but expect him to have a decent market should the 49ers officially pull the plug on their relationship soon.
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