San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan conducted their end-of-year press conference the Wednesday after being eliminated in the playoffs by the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round.
Understandably, one of the bigger discussion points from the conversation was the future of embattled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose shocking disappearing act (quite literally) from the franchise led to him being placed on the reserve/left squad list, ending his 2025 campaign.
And his tenure with the Niners, according to Lynch.
The general manager bluntly stated Aiyuk "played his last snap" with San Francisco, then pointed out how there'll be a future transaction to officially remove the receiver from the roster.
That'll be the last chapter in what's been a long and ugly saga between player and team, one that dates back to his grueling extension negotiations entering 2024 and continued through his torn ACL and MCL that season before even more drama during 2025, including the voiding of guaranteed money.
Shanahan, too, added some clarifying points during the presser.
One particular statement from the head coach is particularly damning, and it'll certainly damage Aiyuk's future value whenever he hits the open market this offseason.
Kyle Shanahan takes subtle shot across Brandon Aiyuk's bow with latest comment
Lynch said he didn't know why Aiyuk handled the situation so oddly, particularly the part about ghosting his employer and coaches as 2025 drew on.
Shanahan also mentioned several efforts and attempts to reach out to the 2020 first-round draftee, to whom the 49ers gave plenty of cash just over a year ago, yet those reach-outs went unanswered.
John Lynch doesn't know why Brandon Ayiuk stopped reporting. Kyle Shanahan added that he tried getting ahold of BA multiple times and they couldn't reach him.
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) January 21, 2026
Shanahan said they still don't understand the situation and are confused by it. #49ers | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/8oHOA33Kr1
"The last time I tried to get a hold of him, I couldn't," Shanahan told reporters. "I tried a couple more times and still couldn't. And that matched everyone else who was trying to get a hold of him but couldn't. Eventually, there's not much of an explanation because it's really hard for us and anyone else to understand.
"It's something I've never seen in 22 years of coaching."
He didn't say it directly. But Shanahan's comments are effectively a warning to the rest of the league.
Aiyuk's decision to ghost the Niners in the wake of receiving a hefty payday is awfully concerning, and despite the receiver's obvious talents, any interested team will ultimately think twice about offering him any substantial offer, not only because he hasn't played a snap in a year-plus but also now in light of Shanahan's remarks.
Regardless, for player, coach and team, it's a disappointing end to what could have been a vibrant partnership.