Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure with the 49ers might be coming to an end.
The wide receiver has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on his right knee during last season, and he was officially placed on the team’s reserve/left team list on Saturday.
This move makes Aiyuk unable to return to the 49ers this year.
This designation typically signals either retirement or a temporary departure, suggesting Aiyuk may not be participating in team activities.
The 27-year-old had an impressive 2023 season, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. However, he only played in seven games last year before his knee injury, which left him on the path to recovery for most of the season.
Recently, there was a shift in perception when it came to Aiyuk’s status. The team voided about $27 million in guaranteed money for next season over the summer after he missed some rehab sessions related to his knee surgery.
George Kittle, a teammate, mentioned that the organization seems ready to move on from Aiyuk, who was drafted 25th overall by San Francisco in 2020.
“At this point, there’s no indication he’s coming back,” Kittle said. “I love Brandon, so I try not to think about it as much as I can. He’s one of my favorite teammates ever. We’ve shared a lot of memories since our rookie year, so it’s tough to realize he might not be around.”
Before Saturday’s designation, Aiyuk had been on the physically unable to perform list due to his knee.
The team had previously expressed hope of opening a 21-day practice window midseason, with head coach Kyle Shanahan remaining optimistic.
General manager John Lynch, however, remarked earlier this month that a return for Aiyuk seemed unlikely. “Is it realistic? I don’t know,” Lynch told KNBR Radio on December 2. “Yeah, that’s where we want to go… We’re a better team with him, but that’s probably the reality. Hope.”
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension in August 2024 after extensive trade discussions. Unfortunately, he injured his knee on October 20 of the same season.
If the 49ers decide to release him, they could face nearly $30 million in dead money cap. He has been marked for release after June 1, leaving $13.325 million in dead money for next year and the remaining amount in 2027.
