The 2025 season was pretty much a lost year for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. What started as a standard injury recovery escalated into a divorce and loss of trust with the organization.
Aiyuk spent the entire 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He was recovering from a torn ACL and MCL injury back in October 2024. While many were expecting him on the field by mid-2025, he never did.
Contract negotiations turned ugly for both Brandon Aiyuk and the organization by November 2025. The 49ers officially voided $27 million in guaranteed money from Aiyuk’s 2026 salary. By then, he stopped attending mandatory team meetings and rehab sessions.
Coincidentally, Aiyuk chose not to file a grievance with the NFLPA to fight the moves and actions the 49ers were taking. All signs were pointing to him leaving the team. Yet, he is still on the roster.
So, what are the 49ers not cutting Brandon Aiyuk yet?
Why the 49ers Are Not Cutting Brandon Aiyuk
Searching for a Trade
One of the biggest reasons for this ongoing delay is that the 49ers are holding out for a trade. However, it seems unlikely. By keeping him on the roster through the start of the new league year (March 2026), they are hoping a receiver-needy team becomes desperate enough to offer a late-round draft pick rather than waiting for his eventual release.
Voiding the Contract
In late 2025, the 49ers successfully voided approximately $27 million in guarantees for Brandon Aiyuk and his 2026 salary. This was reportedly due to his failing to meet what was listed on his contract. This included skipping mandatory rehab for his knee injury back in 2024.
Because those guarantees are now gone, the 49ers are not under immediate financial pressure to cut him. He currently costs them very little to ‘sit’ on the roster while they weigh out other options.
Post-June 1st Designation
If the San Francisco 49ers cannot find a trade partner, they are expected to release him with a Post-June 1 designation. By doing this, it allows for the organization to spread its remaining ‘dead cap’ hit over two years instead of taking on the entire massive hit in 2026.
Ruined Relationships
The vibe is also at an all-time low with teammates. Tight end George Kittle recently noted that Aiyuk became increasingly distant last season. He avoided the locker room and training room to rehab in the weight room alone. If the 49ers continue to hold onto him, the front office is more than likely to sign him to a prove-it deal with a team (likely Washington) until the 49ers move on from him.
Reflection
With the additions of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, retaining Aiyuk right now is less about football and more about the front office trying to get value back in return. It is the least they can do after losing such a premier player.