Overview
- The split between the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk has hardened after the club voided his remaining guarantees, placed him on the reserve/left-squad list, and general manager John Lynch said he has likely played his last snap with the team.
- Aiyuk has not played since a 2024 knee injury that included torn ACL, MCL and meniscus, and the 49ers say he failed to complete team-supervised rehab for that injury.
- ESPN reporting described the situation as a standoff and said Aiyuk is now viewed as essentially untradeable because his contract carries large guarantees that were voided and teams lack recent medical access.
- Aiyuk’s recent social-media posts, including videos saying “Go Commanders!” and clips referencing the voided guarantees, have intensified the dispute and are likely to depress his market value.
- If he is medically cleared he still offers high upside based on his 2023 production, but the expected next step is a 49ers release before training camp and potential suitors will demand a physical and proof of on-field work before signing him.