The Brandon Aiyuk situation took a dramatic turn last week when The Athletic reported that the San Francisco 49ers had voided the wide receiver's guaranteed 2026 salary, a move that signaled a potential split between the team and its player. Head coach Kyle Shanahan later clarified that the decision was made back in July, emphasizing that the organization has already moved past it.
Aiyuk is still rehabbing from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in October 2024, and the 49ers remain hopeful he can contribute before the end of the season. Yet with the recent reports coming to light, questions persist about whether Aiyuk has already played his final snap in red and gold.
General manager John Lynch discussed the matter during an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, offering insight into where things stand between Aiyuk and the 49ers.
"Yeah, Brandon's rehabbing," Lynch said. "He's trying to get back on the field. Some things were reported this week that happened a long time ago. I think both sides probably have moved on from that."
However, a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added new context this week, noting that at least part of the decision to void Aiyuk's salary stemmed from issues with how he handled his rehab, including failing to attend scheduled offseason appointments.
"There are things that happen, there's basic rules, team rules, league rules," Lynch said. "I can tell you, as a team, we don't have many. The ones we do [have] are very important to us, and when they're not adhered to—this is the first time it's happened in our tenure. We felt like we had no other recourse as to exercise those things. And so, we have.
"Like I said, we've moved on from it. We want nothing more for Brandon to come back and be a part of this team because he's a really good football player, and he's done a lot for our team, and we're very appreciative for that. We're better when he's on the field.
"Our guys have done a tremendous job of picking up the load when he's been gone, and so we have enough, but it sure would be nice to add another piece."
The 49ers have not opened Aiyuk's practice window, and with next week serving as their bye, the earliest opportunity to activate the 21-day return period will arrive before the team's Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Whether Aiyuk ultimately returns this season—or to the 49ers beyond that—will remain a big storyline.