Otherwise, a release remains the most likely outcome.
Tight end George Kittle recently appeared on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast, where he was asked about his soon-to-be former teammate and when communication between the two broke down.
Kittle, reflecting on the last time he saw Aiyuk, described the receiver as "kind of at training camp, kind of not." Aiyuk was intermittently around the facility early in the season, often in the weight room as he continued his rehab.
That changed in November, when Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic reported that the 49ers had voided guaranteed money in Aiyuk's contract. The report cited failures to meet contractual obligations, including missed meetings and a lack of participation in team activities.
Before that story came out, Kittle recalls occasionally talking to Aiyuk in the weight room.
"Literally, a week later, that story came out—all the crazy stuff," Kittle said. "And then, I didn't see him again."
Kittle added that he does not typically discuss situations like that with general manager John Lynch or head coach Kyle Shanahan, leaving him without additional insight.
"I just try to be there for the players, if there's something going on, because you always want to be there for the boys," Kittle said. "But I don't know what's going on with Brandon. I don't know what he's thinking. I really have no idea."
While Kittle can't provide an update on Aiyuk, he recalled their final meaningful conversation before the report surfaced.
"We've played together for four years now," Kittle recalls telling Aiyuk. "I love you. I love playing football with you. How can I help?"
He added, "And then, like literally two days later, the article comes out, and I don't see him again."
Kittle noted that Aiyuk did reach out after the tight end suffered an Achilles injury during the playoffs, texting, "Thinking of you."
Kittle appreciated the message but suggested it was their only communication since late November.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Stop running from the belt: 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk continues to keep drama alive on social media
Brandon Aiyuk isn't doing much to quiet the rumors surrounding his future—or his sanity. He's seemingly doing everything he can to keep the drama alive, and it is a story that won't go away. And though he isn't spelling it out, Aiyuk appears to be sending the 49ers a... -
Brandon Aiyuk blasts 49ers again: 'They mad because they stupid'
Brandon Aiyuk continues to make his frustrations with the San Francisco 49ers public. The wide receiver once again took to Instagram to voice his displeasure with the organization, stating the team regrets the contract extension it awarded him before the 2024 NFL season. "And... -
Rapoport expects 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk drama to drag on through the summer
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk raised eyebrows over the weekend with a series of social media posts, including a photo of himself wearing a Washington Commanders hat and a video that appeared to take aim at his current team. Aiyuk clearly would love to be... -
Ochocinco weighs in on the 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk drama
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk made headlines over the weekend with a series of eyebrow-raising moves, including sharing photos of himself wearing a Washington Commanders hat and posting messages that appeared to take aim at his current team. It's clear that...