Brandon Aiyuk could lose over $45 million as 49ers contract dispute escalates

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk could be facing significant financial consequences as his ongoing dispute with the franchise continues. Reports indicate that the receiver has already lost a substantial portion of his guaranteed salary after failing to participate in required team activities, while additional penalties under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) could further increase his financial losses if the standoff continues.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers in August 2024 following the best stretch of his NFL career. However, his relationship with the organization has deteriorated since suffering a serious knee injury during the 2024 season. After missing the remainder of that campaign and the entire 2025 season, the situation has escalated into what appears to be a prolonged contract dispute.

Contract penalties continue to grow

According to reports, the 49ers have already voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed money tied to Aiyuk’s 2026 season after he allegedly failed to participate in team activities and rehabilitation requirements outlined in his contract.

The financial impact may not stop there. Because the team has placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, the organization could also seek to recover a portion of his signing bonus. Since he is scheduled to receive roughly $4.6 million annually from that bonus over the remaining years of his contract, the club may attempt to reclaim between $13.8 million and $18.4 million, depending on how the NFL interprets the applicable CBA provisions.

In addition, NFL rules allow teams to fine players who miss mandatory training camp and preseason activities. Under the current CBA, Aiyuk could lose $50,000 per day for missing training camp and $67,500 per missed preseason game, regardless of whether he joins another team.

Aiyuk emerged as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers before a serious knee injury sidelined him following the 2024 season

Relationship with the 49ers appears strained

Aiyuk has publicly criticized the 49ers on social media during the offseason, referring to the organization with several derogatory remarks while expressing interest in joining the Washington Commanders. However, no trade has been completed, and the receiver remains under contract with San Francisco.

Before the injury, Aiyuk had developed into one of the NFL’s top receivers. Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in both 2022 and 2023. His standout 2023 campaign included 1,342 receiving yards, a league-leading 17.9 yards per reception, and Associated Press All-Pro Second Team honors.

While recovering from major injuries is already a difficult challenge for any athlete, the ongoing contractual dispute means Aiyuk’s absence could carry financial consequences well beyond his time away from the field.