49ers drama deepens: Brandon Aiyuk's contract void signals looming divorce

Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic sent shockwaves through San Francisco 49ers circles on Friday with a report that the team voided more than $25 million in 2026 guarantees from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's contract—effectively setting the stage for a breakup. While the headline was dramatic, many around the league weren't completely surprised.

Aiyuk suffered ACL and MCL tears in October 2024, just seven games into the first season after signing a massive four-year, $120 million contract extension. The injury, paired with inconsistent recovery expectations, reportedly left the 49ers dealing with a sense of buyer's remorse.

On Saturday morning, Russini expanded on the report, noting that most inside the building expected Aiyuk to be back on the field by now. Each week, reporters ask head coach Kyle Shanahan whether the 49ers will open Aiyuk's practice window. And each week, the answer has remained the same: "No."

With only six games left on the regular-season schedule, it has become increasingly likely that Aiyuk won't suit up in 2025—an odd situation given the team's public confidence that he would return this year.

"Aiyuk has chosen not to challenge this (the voiding of guaranteed money) via an official grievance through the NFL Players Association," Russini wrote.

That decision suggests Aiyuk sees the writing on the wall—and may be ready to move on.

The receiver still works out at the facility in the mornings but has been absent from meetings, allegedly leaving before most others arrive. Several within the organization, including teammates, have reportedly attempted to bring Aiyuk back into the fold without success.

Russini highlighted just how stunning the shift has been in a short time.

"It's an incredible turn of events given where the 49ers were in February 2024 — playing in Super Bowl LVIII with a duo of star receivers (Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel) and on the verge of using their 2024 first-round pick on Florida wideout Ricky Pearsall," Russini continued.

"Now, Samuel is in Washington, Aiyuk is in limbo, and Pearsall, who survived a scary shooting incident shortly before the start of his rookie season, has been in and out of the lineup with various injuries during his short career."

Despite a roster ravaged by injuries, the 49ers have remarkably remained in playoff contention. The hope was that Aiyuk could return and provide a late-season spark, but that possibility appears all but gone.

"It looks like running back Christian McCaffrey (who faces his former team, the Carolina Panthers, at Levi's Stadium Monday night) and tight end George Kittle won't have Aiyuk to help them carry the load down the stretch," Russini added.