In a press conference on November 22, 2025, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the “unusual” nature of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation. The team voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season, raising questions about the future of their relationship.
Shanahan confirmed that the decision was made in late July, following Aiyuk’s missed meetings and team activities. While he noted that players recovering from injuries, like Aiyuk’s right knee issue, may not participate fully in all activities, Shanahan did not provide specific reasons for the voided guarantees. “It’s extremely unusual to me,” he remarked, reflecting on his more than 20 years of coaching experience.
Understanding the Contract Void and Its Implications
The main concern surrounding Aiyuk’s contract stems from the 49ers’ actions, which suggest he was not meeting the terms agreed upon. Shanahan hinted that various factors contributed to the voiding but refrained from elaborating on the details. “It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided,” he said. “That was unusual, but that’s stuff that I can’t get into right now.”
Currently, Aiyuk remains on the physically unable to perform list. Shanahan stated that the team has not yet cleared him for a return to practice. When asked about communication between him and Aiyuk, Shanahan expressed uncertainty, saying, “I can’t tell you that. I am not getting much dialogue just personally between him and I.” He added that the situation is evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Shanahan expressed hope that Aiyuk would return to the field this season. “I would love for BA to be here,” he said, indicating a desire for Aiyuk to regain his health and contribute to the team.
Future Considerations for Aiyuk and the 49ers
Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers is now in question. If the team decides to part ways with him in the offseason, the voided guarantees will provide them with more cap savings, although they would still incur a significant dead cap charge of $29.585 million if they release him outright. Beyond the current season, Aiyuk is scheduled to receive base salaries of $27.274 million in 2027 and $29.15 million in 2028.
Shanahan insisted that the events of July do not dictate Aiyuk’s future. “What happened in July doesn’t have anything to do with the future,” he stated. “That had to do with circumstances that, to me, were out of a coach’s hand.”
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension on August 29, 2024, after a protracted negotiation process that included the team exploring trades to the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Each time, Aiyuk vetoed the trades to remain with the 49ers. If he does not play again this season, he will have received $48 million for just seven games played since signing the extension, in which he recorded 25 receptions for 374 yards without scoring a touchdown.
Initial optimism surrounded Aiyuk during training camp, with coaches praising his participation in meetings. However, his presence has diminished significantly, as he has been absent from practices open to media and locker room sessions. When asked what changed, Shanahan remarked, “You’d have to ask him.”
Looking ahead, the 49ers and their fans remain hopeful for Aiyuk’s return, but the path forward remains uncertain.
