49ers Voided WR Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 Guarantees In July
NOVEMBER 23: Shanahan said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) he and Aiyuk spoke early in training camp after the decision was made to alter the contract. He described those talks as “positive,” but things have clearly soured since then. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports, meanwhile, that Aiyuk is still considered close to being medically cleared for a return (video link). Whether or not he plays this season will remain something to monitor.
NOVEMBER 22: A Friday report pointed to a split between Brandon Aiyuk being likely for the 2026 offseason. The main reason pointing in that direction is the fact Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees have been voided in a move he has not challenged through the NFLPA. 
When speaking to the media for the first time since Friday’s report, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Aiyuk’s future guarantees have indeed been voided. Notably, though, he clarified that move was made by the team in July. Shanahan did not specify why the contract adjustment took place.
“I’ve been coaching over 20 years and I’ve never been in a situation where a contract’s been voided,” he said, via Sam Jane, Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic (subscription required). “It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided. Never dealt with that. It was unusual, but it’s stuff I can’t get into right now.”
During the outset of training camp, Shanahan admitted he was “frustrated” with Aiyuk’s situation as it pertained to his knee rehab. ACL, MCL and meniscus tears ended the former first-rounder’s 2024 season after seven games. Aiyuk has not played since, despite a number of updates to his status suggesting a return would take place sometime in 2025. Shanahan added the 27-year-old is still considered week-to-week at this point, although it is unclear how much progress he has made in recovery.
Today’s Athletic piece on the situation notes how Aiyuk was a “mainstay” at practices during training camp and into September. Things changed afterwards, however, with Shanahan confirming the Arizona State product has missed meetings and other team activities recently. He added Aiyuk’s absences in meetings is not related to his contract but also reiterated the team’s frustration with an overall lack of communication in this case.
Tension between Aiyuk and Shanahan dates back several years, and it appeared at multiple points in 2024 as though a trade would end their time together in San Francisco. With a Steelers swap having been agreed to (and something Aiyuk was prepared to proceed with), a four-year, $120MM 49ers deal was instead ultimately worked out. That seemed to put an end to speculation about a parting of ways, but with no guaranteed money owed after the current season ends the team will be able to proceed with a release with relative ease.
The 49ers traded away Deebo Samuel this past offseason in a move which came as little surprise. That seemed to pave the way for Aiyuk and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall to operate as the team’s top receivers for years to come, but an Aiyuk release would leave San Francisco in need of another notable WR commitment this spring. Without him in the fold, the team ranks second in the league in passing offense so far this season.
A return to the lineup for the 7-4 49ers at any point would be welcomed given the impact Aiyuk – who topped 1,000 yards in 2022 and ’23, totaling 15 touchdowns in that span – could make on the field. It is clear no certainty exists on that front, however, and the team has obviously been preparing for a split since the summer. This will remain a key San Francisco storyline for the foreseeable future while a potential release approaches.
Colts’ Alec Pierce In Line For Strong Market
Entering the 2025 season, Alec Pierce appeared to be in line for a departure once his rookie contract expired. A new Colts deal is now something to watch for, though. 
Indianapolis’ 9-2 start to the season has included a stronger-than-expected showing on offense. Pierce has played a major role in that regard, with the vertical threat showcasing a more varied receiver skillset along the way. As a pending free agent, his play down the stretch will be worth watching closely.
The Colts included Adonai Mitchell in the Sauce Gardner trade. As a result, retaining Pierce for 2026 and beyond would now be more feasible. The 25-year-old is currently on track to be one of the most in-demand wideouts on the open market given his performances to date this season. No thought is currently being given – at least publicly – to Pierce’s financial situation, however.
“All that’s on my mind is winning games, winning the division, get in the playoffs, make it to the Super Bowl,” the former second-rounder said when asked about a potential extension (via Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star).
As Erickson notes, the Colts have a history of working out big-money deals during a season. He writes it is therefore “not out of the question” a new Pierce accord could be agreed to before the end of the campaign. Doing so would prevent the Cincinnati product from testing free agency during his first opportunity to do so.
Erickson echoes a previous report that $20MM per year could represent the floor for a Pierce extension. The team’s skill-position group is led by fellow receiver Michael Pittman Jr., whose 2024 extension averages $23.33MM annually. Tight end Tyler Warren has impressed during his rookie season, but no long-term deal in his case will be possible until after the 2027 campaign. Running back Jonathan Taylor is under contract for next year, although without any of his base salary guaranteed he could be on the list of targets for an extension in the near future.
Of course, Indianapolis’ financial planning will revolve in large part on quarterback Daniel Jones. A major raise is in store in that case, and the Colts are expected to make a long-term commitment. Regardless of what happens on that front, Pierce – who is once again leading the league in yards per catch (20.9) – remains on track for a lucrative second contract. It will be interesting to see if team and player pursue an agreement soon or elect to wait until the spring.
Falcons Place Billy Bowman Jr., Zach Harrison On IR
The Falcons will be notably shorthanded on defense for the foreseeable future. Billy Bowman Jr.‘s Achilles injury will leave him sidelined over at least the next four games. 
Bowman went down during a walk-through yesterday morning. It was already known the fourth-round rookie would miss Week 12, but head coach Raheem Morris‘ comments suggested a long-term absence would be in store. The Falcons placed Bowman on injured reserve today, a which move certainly points in that direction.
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A hamstring injury led to earlier missed time in Bowman’s case but when on the field he has logged a defensive snap share of 80%. The Oklahoma product has joined fellow rookie Xavier Watts as a regular presence in the secondary and thus played a central role in the Falcons’ youth movement on defense. In six games, Bowman has recorded one interception, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble while serving as Atlanta’s top slot corner. His rookie campaign is in danger of being over, however, based on the severity of this latest ailment.
Joining Bowman on IR is Zach Harrison. The third-year defensive lineman is dealing with a knee injury and will be unavailable for an extended period as a result. Harrison missed only one game across his first two seasons with Atlanta, but a notable stretch on the sidelines will now be in store. The 24-year-old has become a starter in 2025 with the Falcons beginning the post-Grady Jarrett period along the defensive interior.
Harrison has taken advantage of the increased workload, posting 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in just seven games. The former third-rounder will look to continue that production if he manages to return for the end of the campaign, one which is again on course to see the Falcons outside the playoff picture. Harrison’s rookie contract runs through 2026.
Atlanta did not immediately make any corresponding moves to fill Bowman and Harrison’s spots on the active roster. The team did, however, add safety Jammie Robinson and receiver Dylan Drummond from the practice squad as gameday elevations. Those two are in line to play tomorrow against the Saints.
Travis Kelce: Chiefs Future To Be Decided Before 2026 League Year Begins
Leading up to the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX, questions were raised about a potential Travis Kelce retirement. The future Hall of Famer ultimately made it clear his career would continue in 2025. 
As of June, Kelce had not committed to suiting up beyond the current season. The pending free agent’s future is still not certain on that front, but he has offered an update on his situation. Kelce’s latest comments indicate he will have a decision in place before the start of the 2026 league year.
“I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not — or whether they want me back or not,” the 36-year-old said (via ESPN’s Nate Taylor). “I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately.”
Kelce specified he will not arrive at a commitment one way or another until this coming offseason. The three-time Super Bowl champion will not play for a team other than Kansas City, but the Chiefs will need to decide on a new financial commitment in the near future. Kelce agreed to a two-year, $34.25MM pact in 2024; that deal places him near the top of the financial pecking order at the tight end spot.
A pay cut would come as a surprise if the four-time All-Pro does wind up playing next year. On the other hand, Kansas City could benefit from another one-year Kelce accord. A 2010s All-Decade Team member, he saw a major downturn in production last season before experiencing a notable turnaround in 2025. Kelce has posted 631 yards and four touchdowns on 50 catches so far this year.
It remains to be seen if Kelce’s resurgence will be enough for the Chiefs to reach the playoffs, and the team faces a number of questions heading into the offseason either way. One of the main talking points surrounding Kansas City will of course surround Kelce and his desire to continue playing. This will no doubt remain a storyline until further clarity emerges.
The 2026 league year will begin on March 11 with free agency officially opening. By that point, based on today’s comments, Kelce and the Chiefs will know where they stand with respect to retirement.
Broncos, K Wil Lutz Agree To Extension
Wil Lutz has enjoyed a strong tenure with the Broncos. The veteran kicker will remain in the Mile High City for the foreseeable future.
Lutz and the Broncos have agreed to a three-year extension, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. As a result of the deal, the 31-year-old will be on the books through 2028. Lutz (who was on track for free agency) has been with Denver since 2023, head coach Sean Payton‘s first year with the Broncos.
The former Saints reunited after Lutz spent a total of six seasons with New Orleans. The former UDFA had by far the worst campaign of his career in 2022, sparking a trade from the Saints to the Broncos. Things have gone much better in Denver, with Lutz posting field goal success rates of 88.2% and 91.2% during his first two seasons there.
In 2025, the Georgia State product has remained one of the league’s most consistent kickers. Lutz has only missed three of his 20 field goal attempts; he has also gone 24-for-24 on extra point tries. With four game-winning kicks so far this season, Lutz leads the league in that regard. He has served as a key factor in the Broncos’ 9-2 record, and expectations will remain high moving forward.
After playing out the final year of his deal during his debut Broncos season, Lutz inked a two-year pact averaging $4.2MM per season. It will be interesting to see where this newest contract checks in from a financial perspective. The kicker market now includes 10 players attached to an AAV of $5MM or more and two averaging at least $6MM annually. Lutz should not be expected to move to the top of the pecking order, but a small raise would come as little surprise.
The Broncos have a number of starters on both sides of the ball who are still on track to see their contracts expire at the end of the season. At least one notable piece of business has now been taken care of on that front, however, and Denver could look to handle more pending free agents over the coming weeks.
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Likely To Play In Week 12; RB Bucky Irving Nearing Return
Injuries have increasingly become an issue for the Buccaneers, but one notable return at the receiver position can be expected. Chris Godwin was a full participant in practice yesterday, the first time that was the case since his most recent game action. 
Godwin is “definitely trending toward playing,” head coach Todd Bowles said on Friday (via the team’s website). A return in that case would be welcomed by a Tampa Bay team which has been without Mike Evans since Week 7. A broken clavicle will keep Evans sidelined for much of the regular season, leaving Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka to handle the load at the receiver spot down the stretch.
Ebuka enjoyed a stellar start to the year, but since Godwin went down the first-rounder has understandably seen a downturn in production. Defenses will be less likely to focus primarily on Egbuka once even one half of the Evans-Godwin tandem is back in place. That could very well be the case for Sunday, although offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard suggested Godwin could be on a pitch count during his return game.
The 29-year-old was leading the league in receptions when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2024. Godwin has not been able to carry on in terms of production due to his latest ailment, but expectations will be high once he is back in the fold. A nine-year Tampa Bay veteran, Godwin elected to remain in place this past offseason by inking a three-year, $66MM pact. Remaining healthy moving forward will thus be critical to his impact in 2025 but also beyond the current season.
In other injury news, lead running back Bucky Irving will not suit up on Sunday night against the Rams. Bowles said (via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times) Irving “didn’t handle” the situation well when he was injured, but added the 23-year-old is “trending up” regarding a return in Week 13. Tampa Bay will take on Carolina in what could be Irving’s first game action since September.
The Bucs still lead the NFC South, but the 6-4 team has lost three of its last four games. Rebounding down the stretch will be key if Tampa is to top the division once again in 2025, and a more positive outlook on the health front is taking shape.
Bengals Activate TE Mike Gesicki From IR
On Wednesday, Mike Gesicki returned to practice. No setbacks have taken place since, and the veteran tight end is set to suit up this week as a result.
Gesicki was activated from injured reserve by the Bengals on Friday, per a team announcement. He is therefore in line to play in Week 12 against the Patriots. Cincinnati will be without Ja’Marr Chase on Sunday due to his one-game suspension. Getting Gesicki back will help compensate for his absence.
It remains to be seen if Joe Burrow will be able to play on Sunday. Even if that is not the case, the team’s offense will be closer to full strength with Gesicki back in the fold. The 30-year-old made six appearances in 2025 before landing on IR due to a pectoral injury. Prior to going down, he managed just eight scoreless catches.
An uptick in production could be in store down the stretch, though, especially once Burrow is on the field. Gesicki posted a 65-665-2 statline in 2024, his debut Bengals season. That made the former second-rounder a strong complementary option in the passing game behind Chase and fellow receiver Tee Higgins. Things have not been the same this season, but a rebound will be targeted over the closing stages of the season in this case.
Gesicki initially joined the Bengals on a one-year deal. His strong showing led to a $25.5MM contract being worked out this past offseason, and the Penn State product is owed a $2MM roster bonus next spring. With plenty of money still owing on his contract, Gesicki’s performances down the stretch will be worth watching closely.
In a corresponding roster move, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt has been moved to IR. That comes as little surprise since the pending free agent is in danger of missing the remainder of the season due to a Lisfranc injury. Taylor-Britt will be sidelined for at least the next four games, but that absence could extend much longer.
Packers Open WR Jayden Reed’s Practice Window
The Packers are still without tight end Tucker Kraft. Their receiving corps could receive a boost in the near future, though. 
Jayden Reed returned to practice on Friday, as noted by The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. His 21-day activation window is now open as a result. Reed has been on injured reserve since undergoing foot and clavicle surgeries in mid-September.
The 25-year-old’s absence has limited him to just two games in 2025. Reed led the team in receiving yards during each of his first two seasons in the league. As a result, his return will give the Packers a notable boost in the passing game. That is especially true, of course, with Kraft’s standout campaign having come to an abrupt end due to an ACL tear.
Green Bay sits mid-pack in the NFL in a number of offensive categories. Becoming more efficient through the air would be key for the team down the stretch, and Reed’s return could prove to be pivotal in that regard. The timing of this news comes as little surprise, with the Packers’ Thanksgiving game against the Lions previously being viewed as a target for him to suit up.
Indeed, it would come as a surprise if Reed were to be available this Sunday after just one practice. The former second-rounder’s status will nevertheless be worth watching closely as Green Bay’s Thanksgiving contest approaches. Schneidman predicts Week 14 could be a realistic return date in Reed’s case given the length of his absence depending how things progress over the coming days.
Romeo Doubs has led the way for Green Bay in terms of receiver production (499 yards, four touchdowns on 39 catches) and he is averaging a career-best 50 yards per game in 2025. Christian Watson is now healthy, and he has joined first-round rookie Matthew Golden as an option in the passing game. Reed will look to do so as well in the near future while the 6-3-1 Packers continue jockeying for position in the NFC North.
Reed is approaching the first offseason in which he will be eligible for an extension. Green Bay’s young pass-catching group is highly affordable, but long-terms investments in some of its members will be needed shortly. Reed could help his chances of securing an extension with a strong showing late in the year once he returns to game action.
NFL Mailbag: Falcons, Taylor, Chiefs
This week's edition of the PFR mailbag addresses questions about the Falcons' future, the case for a non-quarterback MVP contender, the Chiefs' struggles and the long-term outlook of the AFC's top teams.
Kurt asks:
Arthur Smith received three seasons; the Falcons have technically seen Raheem Morris as head coach for three years if his 2020 interim season is included. Once the Falcons finish under .500 again, will he be retained? Also, Terry Fontenot has been GM for five years now. What exactly does he need to do to be fired?
It’s rare for a head coach to depart a team on good enough terms to end up returning in the same capacity. That’s what happened in the case of Morris and the Falcons, something we should keep in mind when considering how willing owner Arthur Blank will be to make any changes.
With that said, Morris’ overall Atlanta record across his two stints is 15-23. When we add in his Buccaneers tenure (17-31), there’s a growing case for him to be viewed best as a defensive coordinator moving forward. Even so, Atlanta has enjoyed strong showings (at times) on offense since Michael Penix Jr. took over as the team’s starting quarterback.
Seahawks DT Johnathan Hankins Will Not Play In 2025
Johnathan Hankins was a regular for the Seahawks last season. The veteran defensive tackle will not see any time on the field for Seattle in 2025, however. 
A back injury suffered in the offseason landed Hankins on the reserve/NFI list during roster cutdowns. An absence of at least four games was ensured by the move, but the 33-year-old has yet to play in 2025. Head coach Mike Macdonald said on Wednesday (via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times) a return for the closing stages of the campaign will not take place.
In 2024, Hankins made eight starts and handled a defensive snap share of 35%. The former second-rounder totaled 30 tackles, one sack and the first interception of his career during his debut Seahawks season. A similar showing this time around would have been expected, but instead Seattle will remain shorthanded up front the rest of the way. The team ranks sixth in the NFL against the run, so Hankins’ absence has not proven to be too much of an issue so far.
Hankins has played on one-year pacts dating back to 2021. A veteran of five NFL teams, the Ohio State product landed $2.05MM on his first Seahawks contract. He re-signed in April, securing a slight raise in terms of overall value ($2.12MM) and guarantees ($350K). Needless to say, another one-year contract will await Hankins when his next gig is in place.
Seattle was among the teams to add at the trade deadline by acquiring wideout Rashid Shaheed from the Saints. No moves were made along the defensive line, though. With it now known Hankins will not return at any point this year, the Seahawks could look to make a depth addition up front via the free agent market. The team currently has $17.59MM in cap space.