Brandon Aiyuk's journey with the San Francisco 49ers has been unique. From being in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse in 2021 to making it to the penthouse in 2023, only to end up in the outhouse in 2025, Aiyuk's tenure in Santa Clara has been laced with drama. And the theatrics may not be coming to a close, according to one league reporter.
Sunday morning, on NFL Network's "NFL Gameday," insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo addressed the Aiyuk situation with the 49ers. Garafolo didn't sound as though a divorce between the two sides is a certainty. And while he also didn't say the player and the team are not headed for a split, he did mention that nothing has been determined at this point regarding Aiyuk's future in Santa Clara. The NFL insider says it's possible Aiyuk plays this season, and even went as far as suggesting, if all goes well, he could also be back with the team next season.
"And now, Tom, to the curious case of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whom, as The Athletic reported the other day, had $27 million in guarantees for next season voided," Garafolo said. "But that was a couple of months ago. And since then, the 49ers have been committed to getting Aiyuk healthy and back on the field. So just because next year has been voided, doesn't mean that this was necessarily going to be a divorce by the sides."
It seems hard to believe, at this point, that Aiyuk would return to the 49ers, this season or beyond. Not only did San Francisco void the guarantees in his contract after 2025, Aiyuk reportedly didn't fight it, suggesting he wants a change of scenery.
"Now, my understanding is the belief is Aiyuk is close to being cleared in his return from that ACL injury, but he hasn't got it yet," Garafolo added. "And like Kyle Shanahan has said every week, we're kind of looking to see when that clearance is coming and when he's going to go back to practice. Hasn't happened yet. Still hope that he is going to be back on the field for the 49ers, and 2026 is yet to be written. We shall see. If he gets back and plays well, could be a 49er next year, but right now, sort of in limbo."
Shanahan spoke to reporters on Saturday and said Aiyuk remains "week to week." He added, "Hoping he can clear all his markers, so he can come back and start his practice window." And while Shanahan did not say what compelled the 49ers to void the future guarantees, he did admit that this has been a strange situation—unlike anything he's seen.
"I've been coaching over 20 years, and I've never been in a situation where a contract has been voided, so it was extremely unusual to me," Shanahan said. "Any time you have a good player that has been a part of this team, that guys have really loved and coaches included, and it's frustrating that it's not happening right now."
Chances are still slim that Aiyuk will play in 2025. And chances are even slimmer that he suits up for the 49ers beyond this season. But for now, there is a glimmer of hope that things can be worked out.
That hope may be dim, but the season for miracles is upon us.
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