Brandon Aiyuk’s Time with 49ers Over? Franchise Voids Nearly $25 Million in Guaranteed Money

San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk have been at odds for almost two years amidst contract talks dispute.

Brandon Aiyuk’s Time with 49ers Over? Franchise Voids Nearly $25 Million in Guaranteed Money

49ers could cut Brandon Aiyuk in offseason (Image via Imago)

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Brandon Aiyuk became one of the best receivers on the San Francisco 49ers, which led the franchise to do everything they could to keep him for the long haul.

But before signing a 4-year, $120 million deal, their relationship was on thin ice, with the wideout constantly emphasizing that the front office could have signed him for less had they displayed any interest.

Finally, after the contract was done, fans breathed a sigh of relief, as they realized one of Brock Purdy‘s best targets was not going anywhere. 15 months later, that understanding might be over.

After Brandon Aiyuk failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in 49ers team activities, sources say the team responded by voiding the guaranteed money in his contract for 2026, asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.

Dianna Russini wrote on X

With this move, the 49ers save nearly $25 million of the guaranteed money he was supposed to receive in 2026. Dianna Russini states in her article that the 27-year-old will not be applying for a grievance through the NFLPA.

Even though he was expected to be ready towards the end of this season, it seems Brandon Aiyuk has no interest. That means he is expecting the team to release him in the offseason, essentially signaling the end of a tenure that saw him become a 2nd Team All-Pro.

Brandon Aiyuk’s relationship with 49ers was strained since Super Bowl LVIII

In her article, Dianna Russini, in collaboration with Michael Silver, stated that over the past several weeks, several San Francisco 49ers players attempted to reach out to Brandon Aiyuk in an effort to get him back into the fold.

Apparently, he was training before any of the other players arrived and left before they took to the field. He essentially shut himself out of the fold, which is what led the franchise to void his guaranteed money.

This is a continuation of the tumultuous relationship the star wide receiver has had with the team ever since they lost to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

The top brass wanted him to play on his 5th-year rookie deal option, but he preferred a bigger and longer deal. That led to the standoff between the California native and the Bay Area-based team.

The storming out of practice after being told to change his shorts, the link-ups with Jayden Daniels, and the podcast appearance, trying to prove he was trying to do good by the team, everything has contributed to this situation in some manner.

Brandon Aiyuk could have some limited options in free agency

During those trying contract talks, the San Francisco 49ers were growing increasingly frustrated with their star receiver’s demands. At the time, GM John Lynch was looking for trade partners, and he did not get a good enough offer from the likes of the Washington Commanders.

Brandon Aiyuk has to pitch his services next year
Brandon Aiyuk has to pitch his services next year (Image via Imago)

Brandon Aiyuk presumably wanted to go there and link up with his former college QB Jayden Daniels. Since that did not happen, the next best option was a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When the Arizona State alum eventually becomes a free agent next offseason, the white and gold could be an option for him. He could even court offers from receiver-needy teams.

The only concern is that his attitude and approach to the game are public knowledge. Teams with young head coaches might not want to handle that smoke.

That leaves Aiyuk with limited options next year. If he is lucky, a contender could take a chance on him. Otherwise, he could land on up-and-coming teams looking for an experienced receiver to help their young QBs.

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