Report: 49ers Expected to Release Brandon Aiyuk in Shocki...

By James Brizuela

Contributing Writer

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There has been plenty of speculation regarding when San Francisco 49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk would return from injury. After suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL, the receiver has spent more than a year prepping to return to the field. However, insiders have pointed to a confusing aspect of the pass catcher's return, which has now taken a shocking turn.

Read more: 49ers Insider Paints Grim Picture for Brandon Aiyuk Return in 2025

In a new report from NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the reasoning behind Aiyuk's mysterious departure from appearing in any sort of press conference or updating the NFL world about his health goes much deeper than just his recovery. It appears the receiver has gone down a complicated road with the 49ers and is expected to be released.

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Aiyuk has apparently not shown up to team meetings or activities amid his recovery, which has gone on to upset the 49ers organization. Due to voluntarily not participating in these activities, the receiver is expected to void the guarantees on his contract.

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Even more shocking is that Aiyuk has reportedly told the NFLPA that he will not fight the punishment via an official grievance.

"Aiyuk, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last October, was placed on the physically unable to perform list in July and has yet to be activated. It’s now likely that he has played his last game with the franchise, according to numerous sources briefed on the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive situation. Some in the organization are holding out hope that the relationship can be salvaged enough for him to return this season. However, multiple sources believe that a reconciliation is unlikely.

"Aiyuk, sources say, has 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.

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 wrote.

This is a very surprising turn, as Aiyuk was just awarded a four-year, $120 million extension in 2024, and he will be voiding a staggering $24.935 million in guarantees, per Russini.

The confusion regarding Aiyuk not appearing to update his own health and recovery progress now makes far more sense. Signs now point to him not playing at all in 2025, and instead holding out for whatever team may sign him in the 2026 offseason.

For more on the 49ers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.

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