Aiyuk has proven to be a mercurial receiver during his career with the 49ers. After consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 — including a breakout campaign that included 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 — Aiyuk embarked on a pursuit of a lucrative long-term deal, engaging in a protracted contract dispute with the 49ers that included a trade request (which nearly resulted in a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers) and a lengthy hold-in during the 2024 preseason.
The two sides came to an agreement — four years, $120 million with $45 million guaranteed at signing and $76 million in total guarantees — just before the start of the 2024 regular season. Aiyuk played in just seven games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It would prove to be his final game in a 49ers uniform.
The anticipated roster move will happen eventually, according to Lynch and Shanahan, who remain mystified by Aiyuk’s conduct.
“I wish I knew,” Lynch said. “I can’t help you.”
San Francisco will move forward with a receiving corps that includes 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall, who began his sophomore season with two 100-yard games in his first three contests before a knee injury hampered the remainder of his campaign. They’ll also have veteran Demarcus Robinson and youngster Jacob Cowing, leaving plenty of spots to fill at the position in 2026.
