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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The Brandon Aiyuk saga with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be nearing its end, with the team reportedly preparing to release the wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET.
According to NBC Sports' Mike Florio, a newly surfaced contract detail could force the team's hand, making a trade increasingly unlikely at this point. Official NFL records now list Aiyuk's remaining 2026 base salary at $13.75 million. If he remains on the roster through Tuesday's deadline, his $1.52 million Week 10 salary would reportedly vest. For a team that has repeatedly made it clear it no longer wants him, it's yet another reason to simply cut ties and move on.
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Aiyuk's relationship with the 49ers has been deteriorating for well over a year now. After a lengthy contract dispute, he signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, only to suffer a devastating ACL and MCL injury not even two months later, ending his season after just seven games.
Things only got worse during rehab. Aiyuk stopped participating in required team activities, and San Francisco eventually voided $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract and placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December 2025.
Aiyuk recently hired Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, requested reinstatement, and met with the 49ers officials on Friday, Nov. 6. The NFL reinstated him Monday and granted San Francisco a two-week roster exemption through Nov. 23. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan has made it clear that his return means nothing to the team's future plans, saying Aiyuk has played his last snap in San Francisco.
With Rosenhaus insisting Aiyuk is healthy and ready to play again at 28 years old, several teams could show interest if the 49ers decide to move on. The Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots have all been linked to wide receivers leading up to the deadline and could use more help at the position.
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