49ers Set to Release Brandon Aiyuk Before Deadline
San Francisco seeks to recoup $13 million in bonus money as Aiyuk's trade window closes Tuesday.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
The San Francisco 49ers terminated Brandon Aiyuk's contract and $27 million in remaining guarantees after he stopped attending knee rehab check-ups. The team is expected to release him if no trade partner is found by Tuesday's deadline.
Why it matters
The move ends a contract dispute tied to Aiyuk's recovery from a major knee injury that has kept him out of the NFL for 25 months. It also opens the door for the Kansas City Chiefs, who need a deep-threat receiver after an injury to Tyquan Thornton.
Aiyuk has been out of the NFL for 25 months since a major knee injury, and the 49ers are pursuing $13 million in bonus money already paid to him. The extraction does not specify whether a trade partner has emerged.
The players
Brandon Aiyuk
Aiyuk is a wide receiver who has been sidelined since a major knee injury 25 months ago.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are the NFL franchise that terminated Aiyuk's contract and are seeking to recoup bonus money.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are the NFL franchise reportedly considering Aiyuk as a deep-threat receiver after Tyquan Thornton's injury.
The details
The 49ers terminated Aiyuk's contract after he stopped attending knee rehab check-ups, and Aiyuk and agent Drew Rosenhaus arrived at the team facility this week. Kansas City is reportedly considering Aiyuk as a replacement for Tyreek Hill, who remains a free agent.
Timeline
25 months ago: Aiyuk suffered a major knee injury and left the NFL.
This week: Aiyuk and Rosenhaus arrived at the 49ers facility.
Tuesday: The trade deadline; Aiyuk is expected to be released if no trade is found.
Season Trajectory
The Chiefs' offensive slowdown and Thornton's injury expose a need for a deep threat that Aiyuk could fill if traded before the deadline. The outcome would shift the receiver market for teams competing for playoff positioning this season.
Fantasy managers tracking Kansas City's passing game should watch whether Aiyuk lands with the Chiefs before Tuesday. A trade would change the depth chart for a team whose offense has slowed in recent games.
The takeaway
Contract guarantees can be forfeited when a player stops following medical protocols, a reminder that rehab compliance carries financial consequences. Fans should track the deadline to see where Aiyuk ends up.
What happens next
The 49ers are expected to release Brandon Aiyuk if no trade partner is found by Tuesday's trade deadline.
Further reading
Follow the latest football news for updates on trades and roster moves across the league.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
