Brandon Aiyuk’s time with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be nearing its end - and not with the kind of sendoff anyone expected.
The team is placing the 27-year-old wide receiver on the reserve/left squad list, effectively shutting down his season. It’s a move that caps off a rocky stretch for Aiyuk, who hasn’t played since tearing his ACL and MCL in a Week 7 loss to the Chiefs last year - a 28-18 defeat that now feels like a turning point in his 49ers career.
Aiyuk’s absence from the field has been more than just injury-related. After being sidelined with the knee injury, the 49ers placed him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in July.
Then came November, when head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the team was voiding Aiyuk’s 2026 contract guarantees. According to reports, that decision stemmed from non-participation - a signal that things behind the scenes weren’t trending in the right direction.
This is a steep fall for a player who, not long ago, was one of the most dynamic pass-catchers in the league. In 2023, Aiyuk put up 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns - numbers that placed him firmly in the upper tier of NFL receivers. He was a consistent threat on the outside, a reliable target in key moments, and a big-play machine for a 49ers offense that was humming at the time.
That kind of production earned him a four-year rookie extension worth $120 million - a deal that now looks increasingly unlikely to reach its full term.
Aiyuk’s situation has gone from unfortunate to uncertain. Injuries are part of the game, but when paired with questions about availability and commitment, they can quickly shift a player’s standing within an organization. The 49ers, a team built around physicality and accountability, seem to be signaling that they’re ready to move on.
For Aiyuk, the next chapter remains unwritten. He’s still just 27, with a proven track record and the kind of talent that doesn’t just disappear. But for now, his days in San Francisco look numbered - and the 49ers’ offense will move forward without one of its most explosive playmakers from recent seasons.