John Lynch Confirms Aiyuk’s Departure from 49ers

Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be coming to a close. General Manager John Lynch indicated on January 21, 2026, that Aiyuk is unlikely to don the team’s jersey again. “I think it’s safe to say he’s played his last snap with the 49ers,” Lynch stated, making his position clear.

Brandon Aiyuk’s Injury and Team Dynamics

Aiyuk, who is 27 years old, did not participate in the previous season due to a severe knee injury sustained in the fall of 2024. Before his injury, he made 25 receptions for 374 yards. The wide receiver has had a contentious relationship with the team, having previously requested a trade in the summer of 2024, feeling unsettled in his role.

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan commented on Aiyuk’s growing distance from the team following his injury, noting that Aiyuk became “extremely distant since he got hurt.” This estrangement began after he suffered an ACL injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season.

Contract and Financial Implications

Brandon Aiyuk signed a significant four-year contract worth $120 million before the 2024 season. However, following his injury, the team voided his 2026 guarantees in November. If the 49ers choose to release Aiyuk, they would face a dead-cap hit of $29.6 million. This financial burden could be manageable if designated as a post-June 1 release, allowing the cap hit to be distributed over two years.

Additionally, the same cap hit applies if Aiyuk is traded. It is important to note that any trade cannot be executed until after June 1 if the team wishes to spread out the financial impact over multiple seasons.

Aiyuk’s Career Stats and Future

Aiyuk was selected as the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after a successful collegiate career at Arizona State. Throughout his five seasons with the 49ers, he has appeared in 69 games, accumulating impressive statistics:

The future of Brandon Aiyuk remains uncertain as the 49ers weigh their options. The combination of his injury issues and strained relationship with the team will significantly influence any forthcoming decisions.