49ers Predicted to Cut Ties with Receiver Aiyuk

Tension and contract issues lead to expected $120 million decision

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers are expected to part ways with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a former cornerstone of their offense, amid ongoing tension and contract disputes. The team is reportedly set to void the remaining $27 million in guaranteed money on Aiyuk's four-year, $120 million deal after he missed the entire 2025 season due to injury and skipped mandatory team activities.

Why it matters

Aiyuk was once viewed as a key piece of the 49ers' future, but his falling out with the team and inability to stay healthy have led to an impending divorce. This move will free up cap space for San Francisco, but it also represents a disappointing end to what was once a promising young player's tenure with the franchise.

The details

According to reports, Aiyuk did not play a single snap in 2025 while recovering from a torn MCL and ACL. He also skipped mandatory team meetings and rehabilitation sessions, leading the 49ers to void the remaining guaranteed money on his contract. The team is expected to release Aiyuk after June 1st, which will save them an additional $6.3 million in cap space.

  • Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 NFL season due to injury.
  • Aiyuk skipped mandatory team meetings and rehabilitation sessions in 2025.
  • The 49ers are expected to release Aiyuk after June 1st, 2026.

The players

Brandon Aiyuk

A former wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who is expected to be released by the team due to ongoing tension and contract disputes.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“It's no secret that Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers are headed towards an ugly divorce. GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have confirmed that Aiyuk has played his last game in a 49ers uniform.”

— Gia Nguyen, Sportscasting (Sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The 49ers are expected to release Aiyuk after June 1st, 2026, which will save them an additional $6.3 million in cap space.

The takeaway

The parting of ways between the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk represents a disappointing end to what was once a promising young player's tenure with the franchise. This move highlights the challenges of managing player relationships and contracts in the NFL, as well as the importance of availability and commitment for a team's long-term success.