49ers Void Aiyuk Contract Guarantees Amid Tensions

The San Francisco 49ers appear headed toward parting ways with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk after voiding the guarantees on his contract, amid reports of a deteriorating relationship during his ongoing recovery from a major knee injury.

Aiyuk, 27, has not played this season while rehabilitating from tears to his ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee, suffered during a game on October 20, 2024. Placed on the physically unable to perform list in July, the receiver was initially expected to return as early as October. However, he remains sidelined, with head coach Kyle Shanahan stating after the team's Week 11 victory over the Arizona Cardinals that no practice window would open for Aiyuk that week. "When he had such a big injury like that, just waiting until he is fully comfortable to come up and start practicing," Shanahan said.

Behind the scenes, tensions have escalated. Sources indicate Aiyuk has not attended team meetings or participated in other activities over the past several months, prompting frustration within the organization over his lack of communication. In response, the 49ers voided more than $25 million in guaranteed money from Aiyuk's contract for 2026,...