Additional Coverage:
Aiyuk’s Future with 49ers in Doubt as Contract Guarantees Voided
San Francisco, CA – The future of star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk with the San Francisco 49ers appears increasingly uncertain, as reports indicate the team has voided guaranteed money in his contract for the 2026 season. Aiyuk has been sidelined since October 2024 with a severe right knee injury, and with the regular season drawing to a close, his return to the gridiron this year seems unlikely.
According to ESPN and The Athletic, the 49ers took action during training camp, nullifying Aiyuk’s guaranteed funds for the 2026 season due to a failure to meet the conditions of his four-year, $120 million contract extension signed in August 2024. This move specifically impacts a $24.935 million option bonus that was originally set to become guaranteed on April 1st but is now void. The status of Aiyuk’s $1.215 million base salary and additional workout and per-game bonuses remains unclear.
Aiyuk sustained a devastating knee injury in Week 7 of the previous season against the Kansas City Chiefs, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. While the team initially expressed optimism about his potential return to practice around midseason, the ongoing recovery has proven more protracted. With only six regular-season games remaining, the window for his return this year is rapidly closing.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed Aiyuk’s status on Monday, stating, “Brandon’s just week-to-week. When he had such a big injury like that, just waiting until he is fully comfortable to come up and start practicing.” This statement, coupled with the voided contract guarantees, paints a somber picture for Aiyuk’s continued tenure in San Francisco.