There were plenty of signs throughout last season that indicated the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk were heading to an irreparable separation.
For starters, following his tumultuous contract extension, thinking Aiyuk and the Niners were at least on the same page was a pretty far-fetched conclusion. They weren't, and that became painfully apparent throughout the course of 2025.
Especially when news broke on how San Francisco voided the receiver's guarantees for 2026 in light of apparent failed obligations required in his contract.
Not long thereafter, the 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, a rare transaction that effectively declared the disgruntled offensive weapon had gone AWOL.
Although it appeared he was still in the vicinity, quite literally.
Still, if there were any lingering questions whether or not Aiyuk and the Niners could patch things up and repair their relationship, general manager John Lynch effectively answered those quite bluntly in his season-ending press conference alongside head coach Kyle Shanahan.
John Lynch confirms Brandon Aiyuk played his last snap with 49ers
Understandably, Aiyuk was a primary talking point from reporters during the presser, and both figureheads were asked whether or not there'd be a world in which he stays with San Francisco despite the previous drama.
According to Lynch, no.
"It's safe to say he's played his last snap with the Niners," Lynch said of Aiyuk. "Sometimes, it just doesn't work out."
Lynch and Shanahan both alluded to a pending roster transaction for the receiver at some point later this offseason. Whether that's via a trade or a release is yet to be determined, and the 49ers will certainly explore whichever option suits them best.
However, in as blunt a means as possible, Aiyuk will not be donning the red and gold again, ending what had been a disappointing period ever since he signed that contract extension entering 2024.