Glazer on 49ers WR's future: 'It's up to Brandon Aiyuk'

The turbulence between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers has reached a new level, and according to FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer, the wide receiver's future is in his own hands. While the 49ers would welcome Aiyuk back into the fold, the organization appears to be preparing for life without the former first-round pick.

On Friday, The Athletic reported that the 49ers voided more than $25 million in Aiyuk's 2026 guarantees, a move that strongly suggests the two sides are headed for a separation after the season.

During Sunday's FOX NFL Sunday broadcast, Glazer shared his insight into the growing rift in Santa Clara. While the 49ers are still holding out hope that Aiyuk will return this year—he has yet to be medically cleared for practice—the veteran insider believes there's a chance the receiver may have already played his final snap in a 49ers uniform.

"I think it's up to Brandon Aiyuk," Glazer said. "And look, these fines and guarantees were taken back because of him not doing what he's supposed to do in his rehab all the way back in camp, and he's continued to incur these fines.

"And I think the answer is, look, if Brandon Aiyuk tries to do what he needs to do to get back with the team, they're going to love to have him back. But if he continues to miss these things, not only do I not see him playing this year, his career in San Francisco is probably over."

Glazer added: "It's up to Brandon."

Shanahan: "It takes a lot" to void a contract

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Saturday that the voiding of Aiyuk's guarantees occurred in July, but declined to provide further details. Still, his comments hinted at the level of frustration within the building.

"It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided," Shanahan said. "Honestly, I've never dealt with that in my career or been in any building that's had that. So it was unusual, but that's stuff that I can't get into right now."

Aiyuk has been recovering from the ACL and MCL tears he suffered in October 2024. Earlier media observations suggested optimism that he would return earlier in the season, but the 49ers have yet to feel comfortable enough to open his 21-day practice window.

Teammates stay quiet but show support

All-Pro tackle Trent Williams made it clear Saturday that he did not want to address the situation publicly, though he expressed unwavering support for his teammate.

"I'm going to just say this: I love B like a brother," Williams told reporters. "I'm not going to comment on his situation. It's between him and the 49ers. So, I'm just going to let that be what it is."

Second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall, who played alongside Aiyuk at Arizona State before reuniting in San Francisco, also chose not to speculate about the controversy.

"I've got all the love for B.A., but I try not to stick my nose in that kind of business," Pearsall said.

What comes next?

For now, Aiyuk remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with no firm timetable for return. The 49ers, sitting at 7-4 and pushing for a playoff berth, continue to hope their former leading receiver suits up again. But given the recent developments, fans seemingly appear to have accepted that Aiyuk may not retake the field in red and gold.