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49ers Receive $31 Million Update on Releasing Brandon Aiyuk as Controversial WR Wants to Return

It’s been more than two years since wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk last played an NFL game for the San Francisco 49ers. Since tearing his ACL against the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 season, a lot has changed. Aiyuk missed…

By Keshav Pareek · Essentially Sports

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 6:47 PM

Key Things to Know

Releasing Brandon Aiyuk would cost the San Francisco 49ers roughly $31.65 million in dead salary-cap space.
Aiyuk has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus and filed paperwork seeking reinstatement to return to the 49ers.
The projected dead cap totals roughly $12.35 million in 2026 and $19.3 million in 2027.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Brandon Aiyuk has submitted paperwork seeking reinstatement to the San Francisco 49ers after being sidelined since 2024. Despite the wide receiver's desire to return, Spotrac's Mike Ginnitti reports that releasing him would result in approximately $31.65 million in dead cap space over two seasons.

The potential dead cap impact consists of roughly $12.35 million in 2026 and $19.3 million in 2027 from previously paid bonuses. The 49ers would not owe Aiyuk additional cash after voiding $27 million last year, and a trade remains an alternative ahead of the deadline.

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49ers Receive $31 Million Update on Releasing Brandon Aiyuk as Controversial WR Wants to Return

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