Will Brandon Aiyuk return to the San Francisco 49ers?

No, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch has confirmed that Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the team.

What caused Brandon Aiyuk's departure from the 49ers?

A prolonged contract dispute, communication issues, and subsequent voiding of contract guarantees led to the breakdown in the relationship between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers.

How much dead cap money will the 49ers incur from Brandon Aiyuk's exit?

The 49ers will incur nearly $30 million in dead cap money if they release Brandon Aiyuk in the offseason.

Home / Sports / 49ers Ready to Move On From Aiyuk After Tumultuous Standoff

49ers Ready to Move On From Aiyuk After Tumultuous Standoff

21 Jan

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Summary

Aiyuk's departure from the 49ers is confirmed by general manager John Lynch.
Contract disputes and communication breakdowns plagued Aiyuk's final season.
The 49ers face significant dead cap money due to Aiyuk's contract.

49ers Ready to Move On From Aiyuk After Tumultuous Standoff

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed on Wednesday that Brandon Aiyuk will not play another snap for the team, officially ending the receiver's tenure. This follows a tumultuous period marked by a contract stalemate that began in the summer of 2024. Despite agreeing to a four-year, $120 million extension with significant guarantees, the relationship deteriorated.

A series of incidents, including an on-field exchange with coach Kyle Shanahan and Aiyuk's struggle to stay on the field due to injury, preceded further contract complications. The 49ers voided roughly $27 million in guarantees for 2026 after Aiyuk skipped rehab sessions and ceased communication with the team. This action led to Aiyuk being placed on the reserve/left team list in December 2025, ensuring he would not play in 2025.