The San Francisco 49ers are encountering significant challenges in their efforts to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, as reports indicate the team is struggling to maintain contact with the player. Aiyuk, who did not appear in any game for the 49ers during the 2025 season, is set to leave the franchise after a $27 million guarantee in his contract was voided due to his failure to attend team meetings and other mandatory activities.
Contract and Injury Background
The 27-year-old receiver is currently in the midst of a four-year, $120 million contract, with $76 million guaranteed. However, he has not played since suffering a devastating knee injury in October 2024, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It is widely anticipated that this game will mark his final appearance for the 49ers.
Communication Breakdown
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on The Pat McAfee Show that the 49ers are finding it difficult to get in touch with Aiyuk. 'He hasn't been in clear constant communication with the Niners, they've had a hard time getting hold of him,' Schefter stated. He added that other teams interested in acquiring Aiyuk have also struggled to reach him. 'Other teams I think have attempted to reach out, they've had a hard time getting hold of him.'
Schefter speculated that Aiyuk would prefer to be released so he could join his college teammate Jayden Daniels in Washington. However, the 49ers are determined not to simply give him away. 'The Niners are like, "We don't really care, we've got some time between now and camp opening and we're not just gonna give him away unless we feel like we can get something back for him." '
Trade Complications
The NFL insider also highlighted that Aiyuk's substantial contract, which includes a $24.935 million option bonus, is deterring potential trade partners. Although San Francisco voided his remaining guarantees after he missed mandatory rehab sessions for his knee, the team remains resolute in their attempt to offload him. General manager John Lynch recently invited offers for the unwanted wideout, telling reporters, 'We're available. Give us a call.'
'He's an extremely talented player. He's been an extremely effective player in our league; situation didn't work itself out here. That's not to say that it can't be rekindled somewhere else. And we'd be happy to do something with anyone if the opportunity presented itself,' Lynch added.
Previous Actions
The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list in December, with head coach Kyle Shanahan explaining the situation. 'We haven't seen him in forever. That's the decision they make. It's been pretty simple for me. I haven't seen him in a month. It hasn't been an issue with our team at all. We've been plugging away. No big deal. It's something we've been used to for a while,' Shanahan said.
