Report: 49ers void WR Brandon Aiyuk’s $26.15 million in guarantees for 2026
The 49ers probably wish receiver Brandon Aiyuk hadn’t changed his mind at the last minute about a possible trade to the Steelers.
Since that moment, Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension that, with his fifth-year option, put him under contract through 2028. He played in seven games, catching 25 passes for 374 yards, before suffering a torn ACL. He hasn’t played since then.
Now, with Aiyuk otherwise owed $26.15 million fully guaranteed in 2026, TheAthletic.com reports that the 49ers have voided the future guarantees. The team argued that Aiyuk, per the report, “failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months.”
And while this otherwise would have set the stage for a high-stakes grievance, Aiyuk reportedly decided not to contest the move.
The situation suggests the 49ers will release Aiyuk after the season. He also could be traded, in theory. His next team would assume the non-guaranteed financial obligation next season.
The easiest move at this point would be a clean break. The 49ers will have $29.585 million in cap charges to absorb. If he’s released with a post-June 1 designation, the cap hits would be $8.338 million in 2026 and $21.247 million in 2027.
Either way, Aiyuk will exit with $48.15 million for two years — and only seven games.
49ers odds to find a Brandon Aiyuk trade take hit after viral Instagram post
49ers odds to find a Brandon Aiyuk trade take hit after viral Instagram post originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers are in an interesting spot with their wide receiver room. After signing Christian Kirk and Mike Evans, the 49ers now have their attention shifted to Brandon Aiyuk.
He won’t remain on the team for 2026, but John Lynch and the 49ers are trying to find a trade partner for the disgruntled WR. And the odds for a trade are low enough already, and they’re only getting worse.
Aiyuk made a post on his Instagram page that went viral. In the post, Aiyuk shared three photos along with the caption “Yeen tryna boss you life up we ain’t on the same shii.” While the caption is confusing, that’s not why this post hurts his odds of being traded.
Brandon Aiyuk seems to hurt trade odds after Instagram post goes viral
Aiyuk’s post featured three photos, and some fans reacted with concern about the soon-to-be former 49ers wide receiver looking to have gained weight.
Aiyuk was 6-foot-0, 200 pounds during his playing days. But the photos have some fans worried about whether he’s in shape or not.
While a team would be able to get a good look at Aiyuk’s physical state before a trade is finalized, these photos on Instagram surely don’t do him any good to get traded.
San Francisco has held out hope that a team will show interest in trading for Aiyuk, but if he’s out of shape, the odds of a trade will likely take a big hit.
If Aiyuk’s physical doesn’t go over well with a new team, there’s a chance that what happened with the Baltimore Ravens and Maxx Crosby will happen again with Aiyuk and his new team.
But, even before a trade gets to such a point, the 49ers might have a more difficult time finding a trade partner for Aiyuk if they are worried about his condition, which some fans have seemingly shown after this Instagram post was made.
It’s impossible to tell for sure whether Aiyuk is out of shape or not, but after missing all of 2025 with his dispute over recovering from a serious knee injury, the health of Aiyuk will be heavily scrutinized before he joins a new team.