49ers void Brandon Aiyuk’s guaranteed money after missed meetings

It looks like the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are heading for a messy ending, despite the veteran signing a long-term deal with the team last offseason.

Aiyuk, who was away from the field all season due to his knee injury in the 2024 season, was expected to return in 2025.

But the situation became so tense that Athletic San Francisco reportedly waived $24.935 million in option bonus guaranteed money on his 2026 contract.

Due to this reported vacancy, there is now a belief that Aiyuk’s time in the Bay Area may soon come to an end.

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The report stated that Aiyuk “has not attended meetings and refused to participate in other team activities in recent months,” leading to frustration within the organization.

“According to sources, the 49ers voided guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s 2026 contract, arguing that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill contractual obligations,” The Athletic reported.

“According to multiple league sources, Aiyuk told NFL Players Association representatives that he did not want to challenge the move through a formal complaint. This would clear the way for his expected release at the end of the season.”

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Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the organization in August 2024 after an up-and-down period filled with contract disputes.

However, Aiyuk tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee in October of that year, ending his season and sidelining him for most of the 2025 season.

San Francisco 49ers winger Brandon Aiyuk runs after a catch during training camp at the SAP Performance Facility. (Robert Edwards/USA Today Sports)

Considering the size of the extension, it would be a surprise if Aiyuk became a free agent in 2026. He was the team’s first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and had a breakout season in 2022, making 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns.

Then, in 2023, Aiyuk cemented himself as the 49ers’ top pass catcher with 1,342 yards on 75 catches and seven touchdowns. That success led the Arizona State product to seek a new contract ahead of the 2024 season despite having one year left on his rookie contract after the 49ers picked up his fifth-year option.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is introduced before the game against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium on September 9, 2024. (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

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Now it’s unclear whether Aiyuk will play again for San Francisco, which is making a playoff push heading into Week 12 with a 7-4 record. The 49ers are still among the teams that have yet to have their bye week in Week 14.

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