Aiyuk, who has been on the physically unable to perform list for the entire year due to a torn ACL he suffered in 2024, may have played his last game for San Francisco as it was announced three weeks ago that the club voided the 2026 guaranteed money in his contract.
The preemptive move paves the way for a possible separation between the two sides, just a year and a half removed from them agreeing to a four-year, $120 million extension through the 2024 season.
Aiyuk had his best season in 2023, rushing for a career-high 1,342 yards with seven touchdowns on 75 receptions to earn second-team All-Pro honors. Aiyuk was a first-round pick in 2020 and also led the team in receptions and yards during the 2022 campaign.
It’s been a contentious relationship ever since Aiyuk broke out, with a wait and a trade request leading to his ’24 extension and the club being open to trade last March despite the long-term deal.
Barring a reconciliation between the 27-year-old and the 49ers this offseason, Aiyuk’s spot on the backup/left roster is approaching the final chapter of a spectacular five-year run in San Francisco.