Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers: An Uncertain Future
In Santa Clara, the situation between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is becoming increasingly uncertain. Following the team’s decision to void around $27 million in contractual guarantees for 2026, Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers is at a crossroads. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that this measure was taken at the end of July, generating numerous questions about Aiyuk’s status. During a press conference, Shanahan alternated between offering information and avoiding specific details. One aspect he highlighted was the unusualness of the situation.The main question is why the 49ers took this drastic contractual measure. Shanahan, when repeatedly asked, suggested that Aiyuk did not comply with the terms of his contract, including his participation in team activities and rehabilitation, although he did not offer further details. Shanahan also mentioned that Aiyuk has been at the team’s facilities undergoing rehabilitation. However, he could not confirm whether Aiyuk and the Niners are on the same page regarding his return to the field.“I’ve been coaching for over 20 years, and I’ve never been in a situation where a contract has been voided,” Shanahan commented. “It’s extremely unusual for me.”
Kyle Shanahan
Despite the uncertainty, Shanahan expressed his hope that Aiyuk will return this season. Currently, Aiyuk is on the physically unable to perform list, but could activate his 21-day practice window at any time. Receivers Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall have contacted Aiyuk, although both avoided discussing contract-related matters. Pearsall commented that Aiyuk seems to be doing well and that, although he is reserved, he tries to show him his support. With the voiding of his salary guarantee for 2026, there is a possibility that Aiyuk has played his last game with the 49ers. If the team decides to move on from Aiyuk in the offseason, voiding the guarantee would provide them with salary savings, although significant amounts of dead money would still remain. If the 49ers release him without a post-June 1 designation, they would incur a salary cap charge of $29.585 million. Aiyuk has scheduled base salaries of $27.274 million in 2027 and $29.15 million in 2028. Shanahan stated that he is not thinking about parting ways with Aiyuk. He recalled that the situation in July is not related to the future and that he would like Aiyuk to recover and become an integral part of the team again. Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension on August 29, 2024. During the process, the 49ers had agreed to trades that would have sent him to the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers, but Aiyuk vetoed each move to remain in San Francisco. If Aiyuk doesn’t play with the Niners again, he would have received $48 million for appearing in seven games after signing the extension. In those games, he had 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns. In this year’s training camp, there was optimism about Aiyuk’s improvement. However, his presence has been increasingly scarce. He has also not participated in the parts of the training open to the media nor has he been in the locker room during press sessions.“I can’t tell you that,” Shanahan stated. “I’m not having much dialogue personally with him, and I’ve been told it’s week to week, so every week I wait to see if he’s ready to return to practice, and I haven’t received that answer yet.”
Kyle Shanahan
When asked what changed, Shanahan replied that they would have to ask Aiyuk. Then, when asked if he thinks Aiyuk is motivated to return to the field this season, Shanahan replied: “I don’t think that really matters. I think everyone could have a different opinion on that… I was told a few weeks ago that he was getting closer, and we haven’t made any progress in that regard so far. From my point of view, I’m just waiting for him to return to practice”.
