The San Francisco 49ers are facing a tough crossroads with Brandon Aiyuk - a situation that’s evolved far from what they likely envisioned when they handed him the contract he wanted.
Now, the franchise is staring down a financial and roster dilemma that could end with Aiyuk being released. That’s not a move any team takes lightly, especially when the player in question was a second-team All-Pro just a season ago. But circumstances have shifted, and the 49ers are navigating a complex mix of cap implications, performance concerns, and trade market realities.
According to reporting, the cleanest outcome for San Francisco would be to find a trade partner for Aiyuk. But the return likely won’t resemble the kind of package they might’ve landed earlier.
Prior to Aiyuk’s 2024 contract extension, Pittsburgh was reportedly willing to part with second- and third-round picks. That kind of offer is off the table now.
Aiyuk’s recent injury and a dip in production have cooled interest, and any trade compensation at this point would probably be in the late-round range.
That’s a steep drop for a player who, not long ago, was one of the most dynamic wideouts in the league. In 2023, Aiyuk looked every bit the part of a top-tier receiver, but injuries have a way of reshaping narratives quickly in the NFL. Since then, he hasn’t quite looked like the same player, and that’s a problem when you’re carrying a hefty contract.
The financials here are a major sticking point. If the 49ers move on from Aiyuk - whether by trade or release - they’re going to eat a massive $29.6 million in dead money.
That’s tied to his $23 million signing bonus and a $22.855 million option bonus for 2025. Unless they use a post-June 1 designation (which provides cap relief by spreading the hit over two years), that full charge hits the books immediately.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for any front office, especially one trying to keep a championship-caliber roster intact.
To put it in perspective, the team only managed to get a fifth-round pick from Washington for Deebo Samuel back in March, and he played in 15 games last season. That trade set a precedent - and not an encouraging one - for what the 49ers might expect in return for Aiyuk.
So where does that leave San Francisco? In a bind, frankly.
Aiyuk’s talent is undeniable when he’s healthy, but the combination of his contract, recent injuries, and declining production makes him a hard sell on the trade market. And if they can’t find a taker, releasing him would free up a roster spot - but at a steep financial cost.
This is one of those moments where the business side of the NFL takes center stage. The 49ers are trying to balance talent, cap space, and long-term planning - and sometimes, that means making tough decisions about players who were once cornerstones of the offense. Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco is far from certain, but what is clear is that the team’s next move will have ripple effects on both their cap sheet and their locker room.