Brandon Aiyuk’s 2025 will officially be a lost season. This also appears to be his final year with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Niners wide receiver was placed on the reserve/left side list on Saturday, officially ending his season. He previously spent the entire season on the physically unable to play list while recovering from last year’s torn ACL.
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The specifics of the move are unclear, but it does exactly what its name suggests. Aiyuk is no longer on the team without permission.
It’s been nearly 14 months since the Pro Bowler last appeared in a game for the Niners. His 2024 season ended prematurely with a torn ACL, but he’s expected to return and provide a frontcourt threat this season, earning him a four-year, $120 million contract that was earned amid controversy.
Aiyuk’s recovery continued into the season, but his progress was slow to non-existent. Reports emerged last month that the relationship between the player and the team had broken down, with head coach Kyle Shanahan confirming the team had revoked Aiyuk’s guaranteed contract through 2026 in July.
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Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association did not file a complaint against the Niners over the move, which makes the 27-year-old receiver a free agent after this season. Placing him on reserve/left team further eliminates the possibility of reconciliation.
The only remaining questions appear to be when the Niners will officially cut ties with the receiver and how much contract money they will try to recoup. Aiyuk received a $1.2 million salary and $22.85 million in option bonuses, and it appears the team may seek a partial refund.
Even if they don’t get it, the team hopes to save at least $27 million in salary cap savings each of the next three seasons.