Just a few weeks ago the football world learned of a standoff between star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Aiyuk “failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months, and the 49ers have grown increasingly frustrated with the receiver’s lack of communication.” As a response, the 49ers voided guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract.
“The 49ers, sources say, responded by voiding the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations. Aiyuk, according to multiple league sources, told NFL Players Association representatives that he did not want to fight the move via an official grievance. That would clear the way for his expected release at season’s end,” Russini added.
More Football: NFL Reaches Punishment Decision After Patrick Mahomes Incident vs Colts
More Football: NFL Reaches Punishment Decision After Jaxson Dart Incident vs Patriots
Three weeks later, the 49ers have made a final decision on Aiyuk’s future.
“The 49ers placed WR Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list. This makes Aiyuk ineligible to return to action for the remainder of this season, and all but assures an offseason split,” 49ers reporter Matt Maiocco revealed.
Aiyuk hasn’t played since suffering a season-ending knee injury in October 2024 just a few months after he signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the team.
The star wide receiver had a career-best season in 2023 when he hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns and finished second in the NFL in yards per reception (17.9).
More Football: Harsh Punishment Announced for 2 Major Teams After Skipping Bowl Game
