Multiple reports reveal that the team quietly voided 27 million dollars in 2026 salary guarantees from Aiyuk’s four year, 120 million dollar extension, a move that all but confirms both sides are barreling toward a breakup.
The guarantees were wiped out back in July after the organization determined Aiyuk had missed meetings and declined to participate in required team activities, which they viewed as a failure to meet contractual obligations.
In a twist that speaks volumes, Aiyuk told the NFLPA he did not want to file a grievance, effectively accepting the void and leaving the door wide open for the 49ers to move on next offseason.
Inside the Brandon Aiyuk contract mess and the 49ers’ options
From an agent’s perspective, the structure of Aiyuk’s deal is now working almost entirely in the team’s favor. With the guarantees gone, his 2026 through 2028 compensation, a total of 85.124 million dollars, is no longer protected.
The 2026 line alone features a 27 million dollar payout tied to a reduced 1.215 million dollar base salary, a separate 24.935 million dollar option bonus for a dummy 2030 year, and smaller workout and per game roster bonuses. On the cap sheet, that has been spread across several seasons through bonus proration, which is why the 49ers are staring at 29.6 million dollars in dead money if they trade or cut him in a conventional way after the season.
Richard Sherman on Brandon Aiyuk:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) November 24, 2025
“Unfortunately I had a little bit more inside information so it’s not as shocking for me. It’s shocking because it’s going to play out this way because this scenario at this point in the season helps nobody. I’m not blaming BA, I’m not blaming… pic.twitter.com/9SUFCeXd3W
A post June first designation would split that hit over 2026 and 2027, slightly easing the pain. Either way, the numbers make it clear San Francisco is planning for life without Aiyuk.
Aiyuk went from a second team All Pro in 2023 with 1,342 receiving yards to a receiver who has not played since tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus in October 2024. Since signing the mega extension, he has produced just 25 catches for 374 yards in seven games while earning over 48 million dollars, which essentially turned that big deal into a one year cash bump on top of his fifth year option.
I’m not going to pretend I know the whole story on the #49ers and Brandon Aiyuk but if a team is paying you $30M a year the least you could do (while injured) is go to team meetings pic.twitter.com/0Oh0joZSmC
— Dylan Mehl (@DylanMehl) November 21, 2025
At the same time, the relationship with Kyle Shanahan and the front office has deteriorated, from the Super Bowl LVIII fallout to the 2024 training camp hold in, near trades to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now a prolonged absence from meetings and team activities while remaining on the physically unable to perform list.
Reports suggest Aiyuk is training mostly on his own, has been hard to reach, and may never play another snap for San Francisco.
Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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