Brandon Aiyuk Calls 49ers 'foolish' Over $50 Million Deal
WHO:
NFL.com - Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers, Jayden Daniels, Adam Peters, Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch
The New York Times - Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers, NFL Players Association
WHAT:
NFL.com - Aiyuk stated, “They mad ’cause they stupid, they dumb,” regarding the 49ers' decision to void his guarantees for 2027.
The New York Times - Aiyuk's contract was a four-year, $120 million deal signed in 2024.
The New York Times - Aiyuk's guarantees for 2026 were voided in July of the previous year.
NFL.com - Aiyuk had an arrest warrant issued for him for a misdemeanor traffic violation related to driving at speeds over 100 mph.
NFL.com - Aiyuk was picked No. 25 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the 49ers and has produced 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in 69 games.
The New York Times - Aiyuk suggested the 49ers were upset about paying him $50 million in eight months and that they voided his guarantees for 2026.
The New York Times - Aiyuk had a career-high 1,342 receiving yards during the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl in 2023.
WHERE:
NFL.com - Santa Clara County, California, near Levi's Stadium, home field of the 49ers.
The New York Times - Washington Commanders, where Aiyuk has posted photos in team gear.
WHEN:
NFL.com - Aiyuk was placed on the reserve/left squad list in December.
NFL.com - Aiyuk's arrest warrant was issued on June 3.
The New York Times - Aiyuk's contract guarantees for 2026 were voided in July of the previous year.
WHY:
The New York Times - Aiyuk expressed that he would not challenge the contract decision through a formal grievance.
NFL.com - The 49ers were open to trading Aiyuk during the 2025 offseason due to his lack of guaranteed money after not attending rehab.
The New York Times - Aiyuk expressed frustration over the 49ers' decision to void his contract guarantees and his desire to join a new team.
HOW:
NFL.com - Aiyuk would need to submit a letter to the NFL and the team to request reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list.
NFL.com - The 49ers would incur $29.6 million in dead money if they traded Aiyuk before June 1, but only $8.3 million if they traded him after that date.
The New York Times - Aiyuk would need to submit a letter to the NFL and the team to request reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list.
(UPDATED June 10, 2026 21:48 UTC)
In a recent statement, Aiyuk expressed his frustration with the 49ers' decision to void his guarantees for 2027, saying, “They mad ’cause they stupid, they dumb.” Aiyuk's original contract, a four-year deal worth $120 million, was signed in 2024, but his guarantees for 2026 were voided last July. Although he has chosen not to challenge this decision through a formal grievance, he will need to submit a letter to the NFL and the team to request reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list.
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(UPDATED June 10, 2026 12:09 UTC)
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers has an arrest warrant issued for a misdemeanor traffic violation after allegedly driving over 100 mph, while he also expressed frustration over the team's decision to void his contract guarantees for 2026. Aiyuk, who was drafted 25th overall in 2020 and had a standout season with 1,342 receiving yards during the 49ers' Super Bowl run in 2023, has been placed on the reserve/left squad list since December. The 49ers are reportedly open to trading him, which would incur a significant financial impact depending on when the trade occurs, and Aiyuk would need to formally request reinstatement to return to the team.