San Francisco 49ers fans were preparing to settle in for a relaxing weekend prior to watching their team square off against the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football, yet that was before a bombshell on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk dropped from The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Mike Silver, indicating the two parties seemed destined for a split.
The Niners reportedly voided guarantees for 2026, just over a year after Aiyuk inked his lucrative contract extension entering the 2024 season amid no shortage of trade rumor and controversy.
That extension rubbed plenty in San Francisco's front office the wrong way, and there's been no shortage of reporting suggesting 49ers brass wholly changed its approach to player contracts in the aftermath, much of which was reflected last offseason.
Aiyuk and the Niners appear destined for an offseason split now, especially amid more reported "disappearing acts" by the still-injured receiver, who hasn't seen the field since October of 2024 after suffering torn ACL and MCLs.
But, another nugget from well-connected Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer paints the situation even uglier, especially in Aiyuk's light.
Jay Glazer says 'It's up to Brandon Aiyuk' if he wants to play in 2025
Aiyuk was visibly present during the opening weeks of the season, but inconspicuous absences in recent weeks opened eyes.
And while the receiver's recovery has been difficult and time-consuming, Glazer suggested there may be deliberate actions on Aiyuk's part that are keeping him off the field, and thereby out of San Francisco's immediate plans:
"I think it's up to Brandon Aiyuk. And look, these fines and guarantees were taken back because of him not doing what he's supposed to do in his rehab all the way back in camp, and he's continued to incur these fines.
And I think the answer is, look, if Brandon Aiyuk tries to do what he needs to do to get back with the team, they're going to love to have him back. But if he continues to miss these things, not only do I not see him playing this year, his career in San Francisco is probably over."
Glazer concluded, "It's up to Brandon."
Apparently, Aiyuk isn't doing the needful with regard to getting back on the field. And if that's the case, coupled with what appears to be a guaranteed split this offseason, it seems likely the wideout already played his final snap with the 49ers.
Neither side wants to reconcile either.
Hat tip to David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone for the transcription.