The fragile truce between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers appears to be shattered, as what began with hope for a swift return has devolved into a standoff that could end his career in San Francisco. He has been on the PUP list since training camp in July. The head coach, Kyle Shanahan, also showed confidence in his star player. However, recent reports suggest that all those hopes are false.

According to reporters Diana Russini and Michael Silver, people around the team now believe he has already played his last game for the 49ers. A few hope things can be fixed, but most think it’s not going to happen. Sources say Aiyuk has skipped meetings and hasn’t taken part in team activities for months. The 49ers are frustrated that he hasn’t been talking to them. Because of this, the team canceled his guaranteed money for 2026, saying his absences broke his contract.

Aiyuk told the NFLPA he doesn’t want to fight the decision, which makes it easier for the 49ers to release him after the season. Aiyuk, his agent Ryan Williams, and the team all refused to comment. Brandon Aiyuk hasn’t played a game since Week 7 of the 2024 season, when he tore his ACL and MCL against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Some people thought he might return late this season, but there is no solid move yet. He hardly spends time at the team facility. Sources say he works out early in the morning and leaves before other players arrive. Even his teammates have tried to reach out to him, but he hasn’t responded.

However, if he moves out, then it would affect the team’s confidence. It would signal to his teammates that they are not a Super Bowl contender. At least in their star WR’s eyes! The 49ers are also preparing for the huge setback in 2026. They are cutting his contract guarantees to save money.

Kyle Shanahan & co. trying to save money on Brandon Aiyuk’s contract

The 49ers voided Aiyuk’s guaranteed money for 2026. They say his absences break his contract. This wipes out huge payments, the $24.935 million option bonus, the $1.215 million base salary, the $100,000 workout bonus, and $750,000 in roster bonuses. Aiyuk still carries a $15.39 million cap hit for next season, but without guarantees, the team can move on easily. Before the receiver signed his four-year $120 million extension, the situation between him and the 49ers was already full of drama.

The tense contract negotiations dragged on for months, becoming a messy ride from the start as both sides pushed hard. During negotiations, things got heated. The team said publicly that Aiyuk was healthy and expected to practice. Brandon Aiyuk did not practice, and he opened himself up to possible discipline.

He stayed away from offseason workouts, skipped minicamp and took more than $100,000 in fines. He sent strong messages on social media and made it clear he wanted to get paid like a top receiver. At one point, Aiyuk officially requested a trade. The drama lasted through the draft, through training camp, and into the summer.

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It even included Aiyuk texting the front office “Fire pick” when the team drafted Ricky Pearsall. Finally, after months of tension, the two sides agreed. The roller-coaster stopped, and Aiyuk looked set to be part of the 49ers’ core through 2028. But now, the problems are back. The earlier contract drama now feels like a warning sign.

The same tension that nearly broke the relationship before the extension is back again, and this time, the split feels much closer.