49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has not played in 2025, having been sidelined since tearing his ACL and MCL seven games into last season. During his time rehabilitating those injuries, things turned dark between the franchise and the playmaker, and it now appears that Aiyuk may be content to sit out the remainder of this year and find a new home in the offseason.
With the team already voiding his 2026 guaranteed money in his contract for 2026 due to lack of participation, Aiyuk didn't even bother filing a grievance. He's made it clear that he wants out of the Bay Area. However, the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport speculate whether wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would sit or opt to play things out.
"That remains to be seen, and really it depends on if Brandon Aiyuk wants to" Rapoport said. "First, the health part of it. He's recovering from an ACL injury. More like ACL+, because he's got other ligament damage in his knee."
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"He's close to being physically able to return to practice,"Rapoport continued. "Does not sound like the relationship has been good; the communication between Aiyuk and the 49ers has certainly not been good. And as far as the $27 million he had guaranteed, voided by the 'Niners, my understanding was basically not showing up to the rehab, not doing things that the team asked him to do."
"But if Aiyuk chooses to come back and play football, the 49ers would welcome him back."
49ers have been successful without Aiyuk
San Francisco took the field against the Carolina Panthers for Monday Night Football last night, grabbing a 20-9 win, despite quarterback Brock Purdy throwing three interceptions. The 'Niners are now 8-4 on the season, solid playoff contenders, and trying to chase down the Los Angeles Rams (9-2), who sit atop the NFC West.
So, it's been a successful season in the grand scheme in San Francisco, despite not being in the mix of Super Bowl contenders. Injuries and controversy have held them back in 2025, but they are still winning games in what feels like a transitional year for the franchise. Having stated that, shouldn't the more pertinent question be: Do the 49ers want Brandon Aiyuk back?
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