The 49ers officially shut down Brandon Aiyuk for the season, leaving major questions swirling about his future with the team amid mounting uncertainty.
Brandon Aiyuk’s time with the 49ers might be over.
The wide receiver, who hasn’t played since he underwent right knee surgery in the middle of last season, was placed on the team’s reserve/left team list on Saturday.
The move leaves Aiyuk ineligible to return to San Francisco this season.
It’s a designation that typically indicates a player will retire or has temporarily left the team, which has led some to believe Aiyuk hasn’t been involved in team activities.
49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was moved to the reserve/left team list in December 2025.
The 27-year-old, who caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 but was limited to seven games last year before suffering the knee injury, was thought to be on his way back for much of the season.
But that perception changed when it was learned last month that the 49ers had voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money for next season over the summer due to Aiyuk skipping rehab sessions for his surgically-repaired knee.
George Kittle indicated the team was prepared to move on from Aiyuk, who was selected in the first round, 25th overall, by San Francisco in 2020.
Brandon Aiyuk’s time with the 49ers could be over.
“At this point, it doesn’t seem like he’s coming back,” Kittle said. “I try my best to not even think about it because I love Brandon. He’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve played with. We have a lot of moments together from his rookie year, every year we’ve played together. That’s the Brandon I remember. So, if I think about the ‘I wish he’d be here,’ it kind of just makes me sad.”
Prior to Saturday’s designation, Aiyuk was on the physically unable to perform list because of the knee injury.
The team, including head coach Kyle Shanahan, expressed optimism that they might be able to open his 21-day practice window around midseason.
General manager John Lynch added earlier this month that Aiyuk’s return was less likely.
“[Is it] realistic? I’m not sure,” Lynch told KNBR radio on Dec. 2. “Hopeful? Yeah. I think that’s where I’d leave that … We’re a better football team when Brandon is out there, but that’s probably what it is. Hope.”
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension in August 2024 after some trade discussions. He injured the knee on Oct. 20 of that season.
If the 49ers opt to release Aiyuk, it would result in a nearly $30 million dead money cap hit. He could also be designated a post-June 1 release and deal with $13.325 million in dead money next year and the rest in 2027.
