Fifteen months ago, Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers. Now, it seems he’s on the verge of parting ways with the team.
Aiyuk’s troubles began when he suffered a severe knee injury last October. Since then, he’s been on the physically unable to perform list and hasn’t been activated. Sources suggest that he may have played his last game with the 49ers. While some in the organization hope for a comeback this season, many believe that the chances of reconciliation are slim.
Reports indicate that Aiyuk has skipped meetings and team activities, frustrating the 49ers. In response, the team voided the guaranteed money in his contract, asserting that his absences violated their agreement. Aiyuk reportedly told NFL Players Association representatives that he wouldn’t challenge this move, likely paving the way for his release at the end of the season.
Despite reaching out, Aiyuk has not responded to requests for comment, and his agent has also stayed silent. The 49ers can recoup a large portion of Aiyuk’s contract by cutting him. This includes a $24.9 million option bonus and a $1.2 million base salary for 2026.
Aiyuk’s health remains a question. He tore multiple ligaments in his knee in October 2024 and had surgery soon after. Although there were expectations for his return this season, he has not been seen much around the training facility lately.
His relationship with the team has been rocky since the overtime loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Aiyuk had a breakout season in 2023, but his contract demands led to an extended absence from team activities. This hold-in situation escalated tensions between him and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
In August 2024, Aiyuk was cleared to practice, but when he refused, the 49ers considered trading him. He ultimately decided to accept the team’s contract offer, signing the lucrative extension shortly after.
However, his 2024 season didn’t start well. He caught only 13 passes in the first four games. In a moment captured by the media, Aiyuk threw a tantrum on the practice field over uniform requirements, which raised eyebrows across the league.
He did rebound with a strong performance against the Cardinals but unfortunately, suffered the season-ending knee injury two weeks later during a game against the Chiefs. The 49ers ended up missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The ongoing saga of Aiyuk’s relationship with the 49ers may reflect broader themes in professional sports: the interplay of player health, contractual obligations, and team dynamics. As Aiyuk moves toward an uncertain future, one thing is clear—his journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
For more insights into player contracts and NFL team dynamics, consider checking out resources from the NFL Players Association or ESPN.
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San Francisco 49ers, NFL
