#brandon-aiyuk

#brandon-aiyuk

It was just one year ago that the Patriots were heavily pursuing some of the top free agents, hoping to rebuild their team into a powerhouse competitor to regain the AFC East and help rookie quarterback Drake Maye start his NFL career on the right foot. That didn't work too well, though, particularly with their interest in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who demanded a trade from the 49ers.

The 49ers, as first reported Friday by The Athletic, have voided the $25 million bonus guaranteed for 2026 in Aiyuk's contract, which was contentiously hashed out prior to last season (four years, $120 million). That move signals Aiyuk's potential ouster next spring, and while that mutual adjustment happened months ago, Aiyuk continues to report for morning conditioning sessions at the team facility, according to a team source.

Several offensive players missed significant time. The 27-year-old tore his ACL and MCL against the Chiefs in a Week 7 loss. Brandon Aiyuk is on the PUP list to start the 2025 season. General manager John Lynch gave an update on Aiyuk's recovery timeline. While Brandon Aiyuk has not suffered a setback, Lynch said the WR is "not close" to returning from a knee injury.