HOT: The 49ers announced they cut all $25 million in guaranteed money from Brandon Aiyuk’s contract after months of absences. But Aiyuk’s public response to the decision immediately afterward not only intensified fan outrage — it pushed his teammates to distance themselves in unimaginable ways.
It appears the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are heading toward an ugly split, despite the veteran pass catcher signing a long-term deal with the franchise just last year. The tension that has been building for months now looks closer than ever to a breaking point.
Aiyuk has missed the entire season while recovering from the major knee injury he suffered in October 2024. Initially projected to return at some time in 2025, his recovery stalled while the relationship between him and the organization quietly deteriorated behind the scenes.
According to The Athletic, the situation escalated to a new level in recent weeks. San Francisco voided the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, a massive $24.935 million option bonus, citing repeated absences, missed meetings, and a failure to fulfill contractual responsibilities. The move is rare, severe, and a clear sign that the 49ers are no longer willing to wait.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan did not hide his frustration when asked about the decision. He reportedly questioned Aiyuk’s commitment:
“Been coaching over 20 years and I’ve never been in a situation where a contract has been voided. I’m done babysitting grown men. If you want to be a 49er, you show up, you work, and you respect the people in this building. Brandon didn’t do that. He missed meetings, ignored communication, and acted like the rules didn’t apply to him. That’s not commitment, that’s entitlement. And entitlement has no place on my team. Voiding that guaranteed money wasn’t just the right move, it was the only move.”
League insiders say Aiyuk told NFLPA representatives that he does not plan to file an official grievance, a response many around the league interpreted as resignation, and a sign that his exit from San Francisco at the end of the season is now expected.
The falling-out is all the more shocking given that Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024 after months of heated contract negotiations. But just weeks later, he tore the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs, abruptly ending his season and setting off a chain of setbacks that lasted into 2025.
Before the injury, Aiyuk had been one of the 49ers’ top offensive weapons. His breakout during the 2023 season, where he recorded 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, positioned him as one of the team’s core building blocks. Now, with San Francisco pushing for a playoff run, it remains unclear whether he will ever wear red and gold again.
Multiple people inside the organization, including several teammates, reportedly tried reaching out to Aiyuk in recent months to reconnect with him and encourage him back into team activities. Those efforts, however, were unsuccessful, with sources saying Aiyuk often arrived at the facility alone at unusual hours and left before coaches and teammates were present.
Given the size of the contract and the volatility of the past two seasons, it would once have been unthinkable for Aiyuk to hit free agency before 2026. But now, insiders believe his time in the Bay Area is coming to an abrupt conclusion as the 49ers brace for a separation that once seemed unimaginable.
As discussions continued around the voided money and the team’s frustration, Aiyuk added fuel to the fire late Friday night. In an Instagram Story that disappeared within hours, he posted a short message that read:
“Real ones don’t need meetings to know their impact. I’ll keep giving back to the people who actually matter.”
Alongside the message, Aiyuk posted a photo of himself standing inside the vault room at Icebox, posing with heavy jewelry while accompanied by two friends. Instead of showing any connection to the team or his rehab, the image appeared tone-deaf and out of touch, immediately angering 49ers fans who felt he was flaunting luxury at the same moment the organization had just cut his guaranteed money.
Within minutes, 49ers fans flooded social media with anger, accusing him of deflecting responsibility and using charity as a shield while refusing to meet basic team expectations. For a fanbase already frustrated with how the past year has unfolded, the post only widened the rift. Several teammates in the locker room reportedly unfollowed his social profiles within minutes, signaling clear frustration behind the scenes.
What was once a promising partnership now looks broken beyond repair, and the end may arrive sooner than anyone expected.
Mike Kafka Promises Giants Will Rise Above Challenges: "It's Time for Us to Regroup, Refocus, and Get Better Every Day!"
The New York Giants have been facing a challenging season, filled with frustration and setbacks. But head coach Mike Kafka is keeping the faith and focusing on the path forward. After a series of tough losses, Kafka addressed the team, urging them to embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth. "We’re in the midst of a challenge, but this is the time for us to rise. Change is never easy, but it’s necessary for growth. We’ll regroup, refocus, and get back to doing what we do best — playing as a team and getting better every single day," Kafka said, making it clear that the Giants are determined to turn things around.
The Giants have had their fair share of struggles this season, from late-game collapses to injuries that have shaken the team. However, Kafka’s words reflect a mindset that is focused on the future, not on past mistakes. He knows that overcoming adversity is part of the journey to success and that growth comes from pushing through challenges. The message is clear: this team isn’t giving up.
While the results on the field have been disappointing, Kafka’s leadership is about shifting the mindset of the entire organization. It’s not just about fixing the X’s and O’s; it’s about mental toughness and commitment to the process. "We’re going to dig deep, make the adjustments we need, and come out stronger," Kafka said, showing that the Giants are ready to fight through the rest of the season.
The road to success in the NFL is never smooth, and Kafka knows that. He recognizes that there are no quick fixes or easy solutions — it’s about putting in the work, staying focused, and continuing to build as a team. "This season has tested us, but it’s also taught us valuable lessons," Kafka reflected. "The road to success isn’t always smooth, but it’s the bumps along the way that will make us stronger. We’ve got everything we need to turn this around, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do."
As the Giants continue to navigate a tough season, Kafka’s leadership and determination will be crucial. His message of resilience and teamwork is exactly what this team needs as they look to get back on track. The season is far from over, and with Kafka’s mindset, the Giants will continue to fight and improve every day.
