The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to release Brandon Aiyuk before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, according to multiple reports. The decision follows a newly confirmed contract detail that increases the financial incentive for the team to move on from the wide receiver.
Key developments:
- Official NFL records now list Aiyuk’s remaining 2026 base salary at $13.75 million, with his $1.52 million Week 10 salary vesting if he remains on the roster through the deadline.
- The 49ers have held a two-week roster exemption through November 23 to evaluate trade or release options, but head coach Kyle Shanahan has stated Aiyuk’s return “means absolutely nothing” to the team’s future plans.
Aiyuk’s relationship with the 49ers has deteriorated over the past year. After signing a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, he suffered a season-ending ACL and MCL injury in October 2024, playing just seven games. During rehabilitation, Aiyuk stopped participating in required team activities, leading the 49ers to void $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract and place him on the reserve/left squad list in December 2025.
Aiyuk’s reinstatement process began last week when he met with 49ers officials, accompanied by his agent Drew Rosenhaus. The NFL reinstated him on Monday after he passed a physical, granting San Francisco the two-week exemption. Rosenhaus has stated Aiyuk is healthy and ready to play, though Shanahan reiterated that Aiyuk has played his last snap in San Francisco.
The 49ers’ financial and roster considerations appear to outweigh potential trade interest. If released, Aiyuk could draw interest from teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, or Pittsburgh Steelers, pending his availability and contract status.