The San Francisco 49ers have taken a significant step in their ongoing and strained relationship with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk by voiding the guaranteed money in his contract for the 2026 season. This decision, confirmed by head coach Kyle Shanahan, was made by the franchise back in July 2025, less than two years after Aiyuk signed a lucrative four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024.
The 2026 guarantee, reported to be near $25 million to $27 million, was nullified due to Aiyuk’s failure to attend team meetings and participate in activities, which the team viewed as a breach of his contractual obligations. Sources note the 49ers grew frustrated after Aiyuk missed these key engagements in recent months, coinciding with his ongoing recovery from a severe knee injury involving torn ACL and MCL ligaments sustained in October 2024, which has sidelined him for much of the 2025 campaign.
According to reports from The Athletic and Fox News Sports, Aiyuk has opted not to contest the voiding of his guarantees through an official grievance with the NFL Players Association, clearing the way for his possible release or trade at the end of the 2025 season. The move effectively eliminates the guaranteed financial barrier to a premature separation between the receiver and the 49ers, opening up cap flexibility and roster moves for the franchise.
The decision comes after a roller-coaster contract saga, which included Aiyuk initially agreeing to a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers but reversing that decision shortly before the extension was signed. Despite his breakout 2022 season, where he tallied 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns, injuries and off-field issues have overshadowed his tenure.
Financially, the 49ers will still carry a cap hit related to Aiyuk’s previous signing and option bonuses, amounting to around $31 million in accelerated dead money. But with no guarantees left for 2026, the team expects to save on future commitments if they decide to part ways, potentially designating him with a June 1 cut to spread the cap impact across multiple seasons.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan described the contract situation as unprecedented in his extensive NFL coaching career, highlighting the unusual nature of the team’s decision and the complex dynamics surrounding Aiyuk’s contract and tenure with the franchise.
As the 49ers evaluate their wide receiver depth and salary cap outlook for upcoming seasons, the likely departure of Brandon Aiyuk marks a pivotal shift. Whether through release or trade, the team appears poised to move on from one of their prized draft picks from 2020, concluding a chapter marked by promising athletic performances but marred by injury and contractual discord.