SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers have voided the guaranteed money in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 contract, according to league reports released this week. The move immediately places uncertainty on Aiyuk’s long-term status with the franchise as the team enters the final stretch of the regular season.
Aiyuk’s 2026 salary had been fully guaranteed under his rookie fifth-year option. By voiding those guarantees, the 49ers remove the financial commitment tied to the final year of the deal, giving the team more flexibility but also signaling that contract negotiations may be headed toward a reset.
The decision arrives after months of stalled extension talks between Aiyuk and the organization. The receiver has been vocal in past offseasons about wanting a long-term deal, while the 49ers have continued to navigate a tight cap situation with major contracts already in place for players including Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey.
Aiyuk has been one of San Francisco’s most productive offensive players over the last two seasons, posting multiple 1,000-yard campaigns and emerging as quarterback Brock Purdy’s most reliable downfield target. Despite that production, both sides have struggled to reach agreement on a market-value extension.
With the guarantees removed, the 49ers now have several options entering 2026: continue negotiating a long-term contract, pursue a trade, or allow Aiyuk to play out the season without guaranteed money attached. No official comments have been made by the team regarding next steps.
San Francisco is currently 8–4 following its win over Carolina. Aiyuk remains a key part of the offense as the 49ers push toward the postseason, but the team’s recent contract decision ensures his future will stay at the center of attention through the offseason.
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