The 49ers have been without their top pass-catcher, Brandon Aiyuk, for much of the past two seasons. The veteran pass-catcher has been on the sidelines, struck down by a serious knee injury he suffered more than a year ago.
He doesn't appear much closer to returning to action. In fact, when he does suit up again, it will almost certainly be in colors different from those he currently sports.
Aiyuk and San Francisco have long appeared on the brink of a messy divorce. After lengthy contract negotiations, months of trade talk and apparent contract violations, the two parties finally -- and perhaps mercifully -- look to be headed towards a split.
Here's what you need to know.
What did Brandon Aiyuk do?
Aiyuk inked a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers in 2024, ending a lengthy stalemate that appeared destined to go nuclear at one point. With his deal, Aiyuk became one of football's highest-paid wideouts -- his $30 million average annual value is the eighth-highest among 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.
The Athletic also reported that Aiyuk informed the NFLPA that he does not want to fight the organization's decision. Assuming he does have his contract voided, Aiyuk would be free to sign with another team.
Aiyuk was on pace to collect upwards of $25 million in 2026. He has yet to play this year, felled by the torn ACL and MCL he suffered last season. He was initially expected to return to action at the end of the regular season. However, Dianna Russini and Michael Silver reported that it's unlikely Aiyuk will ever suit up for the Niners again.
Brandon Aiyuk contract guarantees voided
Aiyuk saw his contract guarantees for the 2026 season vanish, with the 49ers front office asserting that his propensity for missing team meetings and other team activities qualifies as a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations. He was set to receive $24.935 million in 2026 as an option bonus. He was also expected to fetch $1.215 million in base salary and $750,000 per game as a roster bonus.
This isn't the first time the 27-year-old and his longtime employers have clashed. Aiyuk had a hold-in in the lead up to the 2024 season after expressing dismay with the prospect of playing on the $14.1 million he was owed on the fifth year of his rookie 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.
Will the 49ers cut Brandon Aiyuk?
All signs are pointing towards San Francisco cutting Aiyuk. He reportedly informed the NFLPA that he does not plan on filing a complaint regarding his voided contract. With Aiyuk's deal featuring an opt-out clause after 2026, it seems both parties would prefer he venture to other pastures.