Brandon Aiyuk's actions have led to the voiding of his 2026 contract guarantees, casting uncertainty over his future with the 49ers.

The 49ers have been missing their primary receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, for a significant portion of the last two years. The experienced receiver has been sidelined due to a severe knee injury sustained over twelve months ago.

He's not showing much progress toward rejoining games. Actually, when he's ready to play again, it's highly probable he'll be wearing a different team's uniform than his current one.

Aiyuk and San Francisco seemed poised for a contentious separation for quite some time. Following extended contract discussions, months of trade speculation, and what appeared to be contract breaches, the two sides now seem to be moving toward a parting, possibly to everyone's relief.

Here's what you need to know.

What did Brandon Aiyuk do?

In 2024, Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers, concluding a prolonged dispute that had seemed on the verge of a major fallout. This agreement positioned Aiyuk among the NFL's top-earning wide receivers, with his $30 million average yearly salary ranking as the eighth highest for pass-catchers.

Fifteen months later, Aiyuk appears on the outs. The Athletic reported that Aiyuk has "failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months." That, coupled with his lack of communication, prompted San Francisco to void his guaranteed money for the 2026 season. The franchise claims Aiyuk's absences amount to a violation of the contract's terms.

According to The Athletic, Aiyuk has also told the NFLPA that he doesn't intend to contest the league's ruling. If his contract is indeed voided, Aiyuk would then be eligible to sign with a different team.

Aiyuk was projected to earn over $25 million in 2026. He hasn't played this season due to the torn ACL and MCL he sustained last year. His return was initially anticipated for the close of the regular season. However, Dianna Russini and Michael Silver have stated that Aiyuk's future with The Niners is uncertain.

Brandon Aiyuk's contract guarantees were nullified.

Aiyuk's 2026 contract guarantees disappeared, as the 49ers' management stated his tendency to skip team meetings and other events constituted a breach of his contractual duties. He was slated to get $24.935 million in 2026 as an option bonus. Additionally, he was anticipated to earn $1.215 million in base pay and $750,000 for each game played as a roster incentive.

The 27-year-old and his long-standing employers have had disagreements before. Aiyuk staged a hold-in before the 2024 season, unhappy with the idea of playing for the $14.1 million stipulated in the fifth year of his initial contract.

Aiyuk, who tallied 1,342 receiving yards and ranked second in the league in yards per catch (17.9) in 2023, was medically cleared to return to action in Aug. 2024. He opted against showing up to the team facility the day after his designation was lifted, though, pushing general manager John Lynch to accept a trade offer from the Steelers for the disgruntled receiver. Aiyuk met with head coach Kyle Shanahan and informed him that he would accept San Francisco's contract offer, stopping the trade from coming into fruition.

Less than two years later, it finally looks like Aiyuk could be on the move.

Is Brandon Aiyuk's future with the 49ers uncertain?

Indications suggest San Francisco is likely to part ways with Aiyuk. He has apparently notified the NFLPA of his intention not to contest his nullified contract. Given that Aiyuk's agreement includes an opt-out provision following 2026, it appears mutual interest lies in him seeking opportunities elsewhere.