Brandon Aiyuk’s $27 Million Guarantee Voided by 49ers in Stunning Contract Reversal

The San Francisco 49ers have taken unprecedented action against star receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team voided $27 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season. This move fundamentally alters Aiyuk’s lucrative contract and signals his likely departure.

According to ESPN, the decision was confirmed by Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. It stems from Aiyuk’s failure to meet certain contractual obligations during his injury rehabilitation. This drastic step sets the stage for a major NFL separation.

How a Record Extension Unraveled Into Financial Penalty

Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024. The deal included $76 million in total guarantees at signing. It ended a prolonged and public contract holdout that began after Super Bowl LVIII.

The relationship remained strained even after the ink dried. Aiyuk suffered a severe knee injury in October 2024 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus, ending his season prematurely.

During his recovery this past offseason, tensions escalated. The 49ers allege Aiyuk missed meetings and team activities. This provided the contractual basis for voiding the 2026 guarantees in late July.

Coach Shanahan called the situation “extremely unusual.” He noted he had never seen a contract voided in over two decades of coaching. The team’s action went officially uncontested by the NFL Players Association.

The Financial and Team Impact of This Dramatic Split

The financial ramifications are severe for the player. Aiyuk’s 2026 salary is now reduced to a non-guaranteed $1.215 million base. His dead cap hit for the 49ers in 2026, however, remains a hefty $29.585 million.

This creates a complex salary cap puzzle for San Francisco’s front office. A post-June 1 release would spread the dead money across 2026 and 2027. That move would free up minimal cap space but provide a clean break.

For the 49ers, it represents a costly misstep on a major investment. The team will have paid Aiyuk $48.15 million for minimal production since his extension. He recorded only 25 catches for 374 yards before his injury.

The organization is now preparing for life without one of its top offensive weapons. All signs point to a trade or release in the 2026 offseason. A reconciliation appears virtually impossible given the deteriorated relationship.

This stunning contract reversal makes Brandon Aiyuk one of the most expensive recent NFL missteps. His future, whether in Washington or elsewhere, will be defined by his recovery and this fractured partnership.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why did the 49ers void Brandon Aiyuk’s guaranteed money?

The team voided $27 million for 2026 due to Aiyuk failing to meet contract terms. Coach Kyle Shanahan cited missed meetings and a lack of participation in team activities during his rehab. The action was taken in late July and was not challenged by the NFLPA.

Q2: Is Brandon Aiyuk still under contract with the 49ers?

Technically, yes. His contract runs through the 2028 season. However, the voided guarantees for 2026 make it almost certain the team will move on before that season begins, either via trade or release.

Q3: What was Brandon Aiyuk’s injury?

Aiyuk suffered a devastating knee injury in October 2024. He tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury required extensive surgery and a long rehabilitation timeline.

Q4: Which team might trade for Brandon Aiyuk?

The Washington Commanders are considered a strong potential suitor. Their quarterback, Jayden Daniels, is a close friend and former college teammate of Aiyuk. Washington was Aiyuk’s preferred destination during his 2024 trade request.

Q5: How much did the 49ers pay Aiyuk after his extension?

San Francisco will have paid Aiyuk $48.15 million for his play after signing the $120 million extension. This covers just 25 receptions and 374 yards before his season-ending injury, a poor return on investment.

Q6: Can the 49ers get salary cap relief from this?

Yes, but it’s limited. If they designate Aiyuk a post-June 1 release in 2026, they would create about $2 million in cap space that year. The majority of his dead money would still impact their salary cap for two seasons.