49ers expected to release Brandon Aiyuk after knee injury

The San Francisco 49ers appear poised to part ways with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, but the path to his departure is complicated by his injury history, contract, and a fractured relationship with the team. The 49ers are widely expected to release or trade the 28-year-old receiver, with a release after June 1 considered the most probable outcome.

Aiyuk’s situation deteriorated following a serious knee injury early in the 2024 season, just months after signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension. He suffered a torn ACL and MCL, which sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024 campaign and all of the 2025 season. During his recovery, communication broke down between Aiyuk and the organization. The team later voided approximately $27 million in salary guarantees for 2026, citing concerns about his rehabilitation process and missed activities.

The relationship has remained strained, with reports indicating Aiyuk has had little contact with the team at times. In January, General Manager John Lynch stated it was safe to assume Aiyuk had played his last snap for the franchise. The 49ers have explored trade options but have found little interest from other teams. According to...