Brandon Aiyuk is on his way out of the San Francisco 49ers, according to general manager John Lynch. Lynch confirmed on January 21, 2026, that the 27-year-old wide receiver is unlikely to play for the team again.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Departure from the 49ers
Aiyuk did not participate in the 2025 season due to a severe knee injury sustained in the fall of 2024. Before his injury, he had caught 25 passes for a total of 374 yards. This injury has played a significant role in his relationship with the team.
Background and Injury Impact
Originally from Reno, Nevada, Aiyuk has expressed dissatisfaction with the organization. In the summer of 2024, he requested a trade. His situation deteriorated further when the team voided his 2026 contract guarantees last November due to the injury.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted in December 2025 that Aiyuk had become “extremely distant” from the team since his ACL injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season. The estrangement between Aiyuk and the 49ers seems to have grown since then.
Contract Details
Aiyuk had signed a four-year, $120 million contract before the 2024 season. If the 49ers decide to release him, they would face a dead-cap hit of $29.6 million. This financial burden can be managed by designating Aiyuk as a post-June 1 release, which would allow the cap hit to be spread over two seasons.
- Dead-cap hit for release/trade: $29.6 million
- Post-June 1 designation options available
Performance Summary
Brandon Aiyuk was drafted 25th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Over five seasons with the 49ers, he has played in 69 games and posted impressive statistics:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 294 |
| Receiving Yards | 4,305 |
| Touchdowns | 25 |
The future of Brandon Aiyuk with the San Francisco 49ers remains uncertain, as both team management and the player navigate a challenging situation filled with injury recovery and contract implications.
