STWF Sports | SANTA CLARA | Nov. 22, 2025  — The Brandon Aiyuk era in San Francisco is all but over. Fifteen months after signing a $120 million contract meant to end a year-long standoff, the relationship between the 49ers and their star receiver has imploded — and head coach Kyle Shanahan is already hinting at who he wants next.

Once hailed as the future centerpiece of the Niners’ offense, Aiyuk now appears destined for a stunning exit. According to Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic, multiple team and league sources believe a reconciliation is “highly unlikely.” The 49ers have voided Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees — and the former All-Pro is reportedly not contesting the move.

A $120 Million Marriage Gone Bad

Aiyuk’s decline in San Francisco traces back to the rocky months preceding his 2024 extension. After refusing to practice during a prolonged contract dispute — a “hold-in” that included a trade request — the sides agreed to a four-year deal worth $120 million.

It should have been a fresh start.

Instead, the wideout tore both his ACL and MCL two months later in a Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury ended his season and, increasingly, his future with the franchise.

Aiyuk has not appeared in a game since.

Now, the 49ers have taken the dramatic step of voiding his guaranteed 2026 salary — a move typically triggering a grievance. But Aiyuk has declined to challenge it, informing NFLPA reps that he doesn’t plan to fight the team. His departure at season’s end now seems inevitable.

Communication Breakdown and Mounting Frustration

Per The Athletic, Aiyuk has not attended team meetings in recent months and “declined to participate” in team activities. That lack of engagement has reportedly left the 49ers frustrated and uncertain of his intentions.

The financial implications are massive.

How Much Money Is On the Table?

With Aiyuk’s guarantees voided, San Francisco is now positioned to recover major portions of the contract, including:

• $24+ million in 2026 option bonus

• $1.215 million 2026 base salary

• $100,000 workout bonus

• $750,000 per game roster bonuses

Aiyuk heads toward free agency with durability questions and a surgically reconstructed right knee. He appeared in just seven games across the two years of his new deal — while earning $48 million.

The 49ers appear ready to move on; now the question shifts to who replaces him.

Shanahan Already Has Eyes on a Rising Star

Few coaches evaluate receivers like Kyle Shanahan, and it didn’t take long for him to publicly spotlight a potential successor. Speaking ahead of the 49ers’ Monday Night Football matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Shanahan couldn’t help but gush about rookie Tetairoa McMillan.

“I think he’s a stud,” Shanahan said. “He’s going to be one of the best receivers in this league sooner than later. He’s got all the skill sets to do it and I think he’s just getting started.”

The comments raised eyebrows around the league — not only because of their timing, but because McMillan is exactly the type of versatile, big-bodied target Shanahan covets. And with Aiyuk headed for the exit and Deebo Samuel no longer in his physical prime, San Francisco could soon be in the market for a new WR1.

What Comes Next for San Francisco?

The decision to void Aiyuk’s guarantees removes any remaining illusions: the 49ers are preparing for life without their former star. Whether they release him, trade his rights before free agency, or negotiate a post-injury settlement, Aiyuk’s days in the Bay appear numbered.

Meanwhile, Brock Purdy will need a new top target for 2026 — and Shanahan may already be scouting him on an opposing sideline.

The Niners’ season continues, but the Aiyuk chapter is finished. And the search for the next great San Francisco wideout is officially underway.