Bengals Activate Former Packer with 65 Starts and No. 2 NFL Running Back for 2023 Season for Return from IR

San Francisco, California – November 22, 2025 The San Francisco 49ers just delivered one of the biggest shocks of the season by officially voiding every dollar of guaranteed money in Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 contract year. One of the team’s most important offensive weapons now faces an uncertain future, less than 18 months after signing his massive $120 million extension. The move instantly sent shockwaves through 49ers Nation and led many to believe Aiyuk may have already played his final snap in red and gold. According to ESPN and The Athletic, the 49ers determined Aiyuk failed to meet the requirements outlined in the deal signed in August 2024. The nearly $25 million option bonus that was set to become guaranteed on April 1 has now been completely wiped out. It remains unclear whether the team will still pay any remaining base salary or smaller bonuses. This drastic step reflects a fracture that has been growing for months between the player and the organization. Aiyuk has not played since tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus against the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2024 – an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. His rehabilitation has shown little visible progress, and although the team once hoped he could return to practice mid-season, that never happened. With only six regular-season games remaining, the 49ers concluded his chances of returning are essentially zero, and that appears to be the breaking point for the franchise’s patience. When asked about Aiyuk’s situation, head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with deep emotion: “I know Brandon has been through a lot and nobody wants to see a talented player go through something like this. The thing I want most is for him to find his balance again and his motivation for himself. No matter what happens next, I will always respect Brandon’s effort and wish nothing but the best for him.” Shanahan’s words left many 49ers fans choking back tears with their sincerity. Aiyuk’s future in the red and gold has never looked more fragile. The 49ers will almost certainly look to trade or part ways with him as early as this offseason to clear cap space and restructure the offense. Once an All-Pro and explosive centerpiece of Shanahan’s system, Aiyuk now faces a career-defining crossroads. And the way things are unfolding, the majority of 49ers Nation believes his journey in San Francisco has likely reached its end.