Kyle Shanahan: Brandon Aiyuk Has Been ‘Extremely Distant’ Since Injury
The 49ers placed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list last week, raising significant questions about his future in San Francisco.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has since revealed more details about the strained relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers. He said (via The Athletic’s Matt Barrows) that Aiyuk has been “extremely distant” since his ACL injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season. That estrangement only grew this year; at the time of his move to the left squad list, the team had not heard from Aiyuk in over a month, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur.
Shanahan’s revelations add even more confusion into a drawn-out saga with Aiyuk that, including his contract standoff last offseason, has taken up virtually all of the last two years. The team believed that the four-year, $120MM extension would ease tensions with its star wideout, but Aiyuk’s somewhat slow start to the 2024 season and subsequent injury put the two sides at odds once again. The complete disconnect, though, is remarkable, given that the 49ers did eventually bow to Aiyuk’s demands and sign him to a massive contract.
San Francisco already voided the remaining guarantees on Aiyuk’s contract, which makes it financially easier to trade him. However, other teams may be hoping that the 49ers release him instead to end the situation as quickly as possible. That would allow them to sign Aiyuk at a much cheaper rate than his current contract. Aiyuk may also be angling for the same outcome so he can pick his next destination.
More light has also been shed on another complicated 49ers injury situation. Quarterback Brock Purdy missed Weeks 2 and 3 with turf toe and an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. He returned in Week 4 and played the entire game, but re-aggravated his toe in the process. Purdy was then sidelined for six more games, though he was not placed on injured reserve. His recovery was marked by intermittent practices and consistent uncertainty about his return timeline.
As it turns out, the 49ers intentionally slow-played Purdy’s return. He sought several medical opinions on his toe, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, and every doctor told him that surgery was not necessary. The 49ers opted to take a cautious approach with Purdy’s recovery to make sure that the issue did not linger for the rest of the season.
That plan seems to have worked out. The 49ers did not exactly thrive in Purdy’s absence, but Mac Jones kept the offense afloat. San Francisco alternated wins and losses until Purdy returned to the field in Week 11. Since then, they have won four straight games and are currently the NFC’s No. 2 wild card team. With Purdy back in the fold, the 49ers might be peaking at the right time to finish the season strong, secure a playoff spot, and go on a run in the postseason.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/20/25
Here are Saturday’s minor moves around the NFL, including gameday elevations for tomorrow’s Week 16 slate:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: CB Jaden Davis, WR Steven Sims
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed from practice squad: CB C.J. Henderson
- Waived: WR/KR Jamal Agnew
- Elevated: WR Chris Blair, OLB Khalid Kareem
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: DT Josh Tupou, LB William Kwenkeu
- Placed on IR: LB Teddye Buchanan (story)
Buffalo Bills
- Activated from IR: WR Mecole Hardman
- Elevated: K Michael Badgley, DE Andre Jones Jr.
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: LB Isaiah Simmons, OL Saahdiq Charles
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DT Howard Cross, CB Bralyn Lux
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: CB Corey Ballentine
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: QB Sam Ehlinger, S Delarrin Turner-Yell
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: OL Kingsley Eguakun, TE Giovanni Ricci
Houston Texans
- Elevated: DT Marlon Davidson, CB Alijah Huzzie
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: S Marcus Williams, G Branson Taylor
Miami Dolphins
- Signed from practice squad: CB Ethan Robinson
- Placed on IR: DB Elijah Campbell
- Elevated: OL Kion Smith, WR Theo Wease
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed from practice squad: CB Dwight McGlothern
- Elevated: LB Sione Takitaki
New York Giants
- DT Elijah Chatman, K Ben Sauls
New York Jets
- Elevated: DB Tre Brown
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: T Easton Kilty, TE Moliki Matavao
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB Daryl Porter Jr., T Jack Driscoll
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: LB Nick Martin
Tennessee Titans
- Signed from practice squad: DT Cam Horsley
- Waived: DT Shy Tuttle
- Elevated: CB Kemon Hall
Agnew’s time in Atlanta has come to an end after 11 appearances with his third career team. The veteran did not see any usage on offense, but he handled 45 total returns between kickoffs and punts this season. Agnew totaled 855 yards in that capacity, but he will now hit the waiver wire. Provided he clears, the 30-year-old will become a free agent.
The same is true of Tuttle. A veteran of 105 games, he has made just one start so far this season. Tuttle has only handled a 25% snap share on defense, so he is unlikely to generate much interest as a free agent. Nevertheless, a depth role could await him on a contender down the stretch.
49ers Unlikely To Trade WR Brandon Aiyuk; Steelers Among Potential Suitors?
With Brandon Aiyuk having been moved to the reserve/left squad list, it is highly likely he has played his final game as a 49er. The veteran wideout’s future will presumably not include time spent in San Francisco in 2026, but it remains to be seen where his next NFL gig will come from. 
A trade could of course be worked out in this case. Since the 49ers voided future guarantees in Aiyuk’s contract, the pact should be much easier to absorb than it otherwise would have been. Still, interested teams would much prefer to add Aiyuk as a free agent rather than parting with draft capital to acquire a player known to be on the way out. To no surprise, then, Matt Barrows of The Athletic predicts (subscription required) the 49ers will proceed with a release this spring.
Per Barrows, Aiyuk is still held in high regard by his teammates despite the way things have unfolded in his case. That puts the 27-year-old in a different situation than someone like De’Vondre Campbell, whose standing with the team unraveled when he refused to re-enter a game in Week 15 last season. Nevertheless, Aiyuk’s relationship with the organization has been the subject of speculation dating back to contentions extension talks in 2024. Provided he is released, it will be interesting to see how many suitors pursue Aiyuk coming off a full season spent on the sidelines.
It was reported last week the Commanders are among the teams which can be expected to show interest on that front. A reunion between Aiyuk and former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels would certainly not come as a surprise. Indeed, Barrows points to Washington as one of the likeliest landing spots for Aiyuk. He adds Pittsburgh as a team to watch regarding an Aiyuk deal.
The Steelers were long mentioned as a contender to acquire the former second-team All-Pro prior to his extension being signed. Pittsburgh and San Francisco engaged in trade talks to the point where an agreement was reached between the teams. Aiyuk himself ended the possibility of a Steelers swap by informing the 49ers of his desire to stay. His four-year, $120MM extension was finalized immediately thereafter. Pittsburgh has since acquired and extended D.K. Metcalf, but otherwise the WR position remains a question mark for the team.
Aiyuk has only made seven appearances since signing that pact. His knee injury (which included ACL, MCL and meniscus tears) has resulted in an absence which stretched through the second half of last season and all of the current campaign. A return to action in time for 2026 should be expected, but a short list of serious suitors could emerge if/when he hits the open market.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/17/25
Wednesday’s NFL practice squad transactions:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: RB Montrell Johnson
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: C Wesley French
Denver Broncos
- Signed: G Nash Jones
Houston Texans
- Signed: DT Marcus Harris
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: WR Jimmy Holiday
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: G McClendon Curtis
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: OLB Andre Carter II
- Released: TE Tanner Conner
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: T Caleb Etienne
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Amari Gainer
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: WR John Rhys Plumlee, RB Trey Sermon
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: QB Adrian Martinez
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: S D’Anthony Bell
- Released: CB Tyler Hall
Martinez parted ways with San Francisco a week ago and signed with the Jets, who elevated him on Sunday to back up undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook. New York released him from their taxi squad yesterday, so Martinez has found his way back to the Bay Area.
2025 NFL Dead Money, By Team
As we head toward the playoffs, three NFL teams are carrying more than $100MM in dead money. That represents more than a third of the salary cap. The 49ers are also on track to make the playoffs with more than $100MM allocated to players no longer on their 53-man roster. Here is where the 32 teams stand for dead money (via OverTheCap) with three weeks left in the regular season:
- New Orleans Saints: $107.83MM
- San Francisco 49ers: $103.77MM
- New York Jets: $102.1MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $87.79MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $87.27MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $86.1MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $85.49MM
- Cleveland Browns: $83.22MM
- Miami Dolphins: $72.45MM
- Houston Texans: $66.44MM
- Tennessee Titans: $59.42MM
- Green Bay Packers: $57.98MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $56.23MM
- New England Patriots: $50.56MM
- Denver Broncos: $42.78MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $41.34MM
- Detroit Lions: $40.71MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $40.39MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $38.78MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $38.38MM
- Buffalo Bills: $37.58MM
- Carolina Panthers: $36.55MM
- New York Giants: $33.74MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $33.7MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $30.6MM
- Washington Commanders: $27.29MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $27MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $20.99MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $20.33MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $17.37MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $16.51MM
- Chicago Bears: $8.6MM
The $100MM trio dwarfs last year’s leaders — the Broncos — in this unwanted area. The Saints began taking some overdue medicine for their cap-gymnastics past by trading Marshon Lattimore last year. That move coming after June 1 pushed $31.67MM onto New Orleans’ 2025 cap sheet. Derek Carr also counts $19.2MM on this year’s Saints cap, while Ryan Ramczyk‘s retirement covers more than $11MM.
The Carr punishment covers $55.88MM in total, meaning nearly $37MM from the QB’s retirement will land on New Orleans’ 2026 payroll. Mickey Loomis‘ spree of restructures on that contract created that inflated figure.
Deebo Samuel brought a receiver-record dead money total to the 49ers, who absorbed $34.12MM by trading the seventh-year veteran in March. The second leg of the post-June 1 Arik Armstead transaction from 2024 created a $15MM dead cap hit this year, with void years on Charvarius Ward‘s deal covering more than $12MM.
Gang Green took on barely $20MM combined from the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades and will do the same next year, reflecting the low signing bonus figure on the Gardner extension. The Jets, though, have taken $56MM in total from the Aaron Rodgers release ($21MM this year, $35MM next). That is the second-highest total dead cap hit in NFL history.
The team that authorized the highest dead money sum in league annals — Denver, via the 2024 Russell Wilson release — is still carrying $32MM on that contract. It comes off the books next year, and the Broncos do not have any other player counting more than $3MM in dead cap on their 2025 payroll.
The Eagles and Seahawks are also moving toward the playoffs with higher dead money counts compared to the 2024 Broncos, though it should be noted the cap’s $24MM increase from last year plays into this. Philadelphia is still carrying a combined $26MM from the 2024 Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox retirements. Josh Sweat void years also comprise $16.44MM of this year’s cap. The Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf trade brought $21MM in dead cap, while Geno Smith, Tyler Lockett and Dre’Mont Jones combine to cover more than $41MM in dead money.
Amari Cooper and Za’Darius Smith‘s 2024 Cleveland exits via trade tagged the Browns with more than $36MM in dead money together, while the Dolphins are dealing with more than $30MM combined from the post-June 1 designations on Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey. The latter counts $15.7MM in dead money this year and $20.9MM in 2026. That eclipses Lattimore’s defender-record total for dead cap.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/16/25
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: OL Marques Cox, S Patrick McMorris
- Released: T Trey Wedig
Buffalo Bills
- Released: CB M.J. Devonshire
Chicago Bears
- Signed: LB Dominique Hampton
- Released: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Denver Broncos
- Released: RB Sincere McCormick
Detroit Lions
- Signed: CB Keenan Garber
Houston Texans
- Signed: S Brandon Hill
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: G LaDarius Henderson, G Bill Murray, T Zachary Thomas
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: G Nick Broeker, S Tanner McCalister
New York Giants
- Signed: CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
New York Jets
- Signed: S Jaylen Mahoney, LB Ochaun Mathis
- Released: QB Adrian Martinez
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: CB Isaiah Bolden
Washington Commanders
- Signed: WR River Cracraft, WR Gee Scott Jr.
- Placed on practice squad/injured list: CB Darius Rush
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
Sunday’s action provided more clarity on a number of fronts relating to the playoff pushes in each conference. The list of teams still in contention for the top pick in the 2026 draft remains long, however.
Week 15 saw the Broncos and Rams clinch a postseason berth. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, Bengals and Vikings have each officially been eliminated from the playoffs. They will join the group of teams turning their attention to offseason planning. That of course includes extensive evaluation of the top prospects in this year’s class; several have already turned pro (with some exceptions).
Sunday’s results mean there are nine teams with two, three or four wins. Each of them remain candidates to secure the No. 1 selection, although victories by the Saints and Commanders yesterday will greatly hinder their chances of moving to the top of the order. Jockeying amongst teams like the Raiders, Jets and Cardinals (each on track to pursue a new quarterback this spring) will be a storyline worth following closely down the stretch.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2025 standings plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. Playoff squads are slotted by their postseason outcome and the reverse order of their regular season record.
Here is an updated look at the first-round order:
- New York Giants (2-12)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
- Tennessee Titans (2-12)
- Cleveland Browns (3-11)
- New York Jets (3-11)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
- New Orleans Saints (4-10)
- Washington Commanders (4-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-10)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Miami Dolphins (6-8)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
- Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
- Carolina Panthers (7-7)
- Detroit Lions (8-6)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
- Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
- Houston Texans (9-5)
- Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- Buffalo Bills (10-4)
- Chicago Bears (10-4)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
- Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- New England Patriots (11-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-3)
- Denver Broncos (12-2)
49ers Place WR Brandon Aiyuk On Reserve/Left Squad List
If there were any chance at reconciliation between the 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk before today, it’s likely gone now. Today, San Francisco placed the former first-round pick on the reserve/left squad list, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. As a result, he will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season, making an offseason departure all the more likely. 
Aiyuk hasn’t played since tearing his right ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7 of 2024. The injury came a couple of months after he signed a four-year, $120MM extension with the 49ers. The relationship between the two sides has fallen apart since then.
[RELATED: Aiyuk On Commanders’ Radar?]
Aiyuk didn’t attend offseason appointments to rehab his knee in the offseason, leading the 49ers to void his 2026 guarantees last July. And while Aiyuk had a 50-day window to file a grievance through the NFLPA, he didn’t take any action during that span. He lost out on over $26MM as a result.
Still recovering from last year’s injury, Aiyuk spent the season on the reserve/PUP list before today. Earlier this month, general manager John Lynch expressed hope that the team would open Aiyuk’s practice window at some point soon. Doing so would have given the playoff-contending 49ers 21 days to evaluate Aiyuk. That will not happen, though, and this will go down as a lost season for Aiyuk.
The placement on reserve/left squad list is a unique one, usually reserved for players who plan to retire or quit on their team. In addition to all of the money Aiyuk has already lost throughout this season-long saga, Jason Fitzgerald of Overthecap.com claims that the 49ers may be allowed to go after Aiyuk’s signing and option bonus money in the wake of how things have now played out.
There was already plenty of speculation that Aiyuk’s time in the Bay Area was coming to an end, but this all but confirms it. Whether through offseason trade or an outright release, it’s just hard to picture Aiyuk playing in red and gold again.
In addition to the transaction that effectively ended Aiyuk’s tenure in San Francisco, the 49ers also announced that linebacker Jalen Graham and defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez would serve as standard gameday practice squad elevations for tomorrow’s game. This will be Graham’s third and final elevation of the season. If the team wants to see him play in another game this year, they’ll need to sign him to the 53-man roster.
Connor Byrne contributed to this post.
Commanders To Pursue WR Brandon Aiyuk In Offseason?
Earlier this month, 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed hope that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would come off the reserve/PUP list to play sometime this season. Almost two weeks later, optimism on that front “seems to have run out,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic writes.
Aiyuk hasn’t played in a game since he tore his right ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7 of 2024. He suffered the injury a couple of months after landing a four-year, $120MM extension.
After Aiyuk failed to attend offseason appointments to rehab his knee, the 49ers made the eye-opening move to void his 2026 guarantees last summer. Barring an unforeseen turnaround in their relationship, the two sides are likely headed for a divorce in the offseason.
The 49ers could attempt to find a trade partner for Aiyuk, but with his stock way down, it may be difficult. Whether the 49ers trade or release Aiyuk before June 1, they’d be left with $29.85MM in dead money. Parting with him after June 1 would allow San Francisco to spread the dead cap over two years. Aiyuk would count $13.25MM against the team’s cap in that scenario.
As for where Aiyuk might play next, Washington is a team to monitor. The belief is that Aiyuk would like to reunite with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Dan Graziano of ESPN reports. The two formed an excellent combination at Arizona State in 2019. Aiyuk caught 65 passes for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns en route to First-Team All-Pac-12 honors that year. The 49ers drafted him 25th overall during the ensuing spring.
Not only is Aiyuk familiar with Daniels, but it’s worth noting Commanders general manager Adam Peters was a key figure in the 49ers’ front office during the first four years of the wideout’s career. Peters is likely to hunt for offensive weapons in the wake of a disappointing season for the Commanders, which could lead to interest in Aiyuk. After advancing all the way to the NFC championship game last season, the injury-plagued Commanders will miss the playoffs this year. At 3-10, they’re on pace to draft in the top 10 next spring.
Terry McLaurin will return as Washington’s No. 1 receiver next year. However, Deebo Samuel (a former Aiyuk teammate in San Francisco) and Noah Brown are scheduled to reach free agency. Tight end Zach Ertz, one of the team’s leading receivers this year, is also unsigned beyond this season. The 35-year-old tore his ACL last week, further clouding his future.
Even if the Commanders bring any of their soon-to-be free agent pass catchers back, outside additions are likely. Daniels should be in position to rebound in 2026 if he stays healthy, which he hasn’t done this year, and has more talent surrounding him. Partnering with Aiyuk again could lead to a bounce-back campaign for both players, which would boost the Commanders’ chances of returning to playoff contention after a forgettable 2025.
Poll: Who Will Win NFC West?
It only took 10 wins to earn the NFC West title a year ago. Two of the division’s four teams have already reached that total 14 weeks into 2025. The 10-3 Rams are in first place and on track to win the division for the second straight season, but the Seahawks share the same record. Meanwhile, the 49ers (9-4) are right on their tails. At 3-10, the Cardinals are the only non-contender in the division, leaving the other three clubs to battle for the title over the next four weeks.
The Rams rank second in the NFL in point differential, trailing only the Seahawks in that category. However, the Rams got the better of the Seahawks in their first matchup of the season in Week 11. Playing at home, the Rams took advantage of four Sam Darnold interceptions to eke out a 21-19 win. Those two will meet again in Seattle in Week 16. The Seahawks also lost their previous meeting with the 49ers, who took a 17-13 decision on the road in Week 1. Seattle will seek revenge in San Francisco in Week 18, potentially with the division at stake. Having already split their season series, the Rams and 49ers are done with each other unless a rubber match occurs during the playoffs.
Despite Darnold’s disastrous showing against the Rams last month, the 28-year-old has been terrific for the second season in a row. Between his one-off with the Vikings and his first 13 games as a Seahawk, Darnold has gone 24-6 as a starter since 2024. He’s in the MVP running this year, but Stafford is the favorite in his age-37 season.
Both Stafford and Darnold have benefited from immensely talented receivers. The Rams have a stellar one-two punch in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Nacua leads the NFL in catches (93), and Adams is atop the league in receiving touchdowns (14). Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba is easily pacing the league in yards (1,428). He has a shot to break Calvin Johnson‘s single-season record of 1,964.
While their offenses have gotten most of the headlines, the Rams and Seahawks have also prevented scoring at an elite clip. The Seahawks have given up 17.4 points per game to the Rams’ 17.5. Only the Texans (16.0) have done a better job keeping points off the board than those two clubs. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Seahawks DC Aden Durde could soon draw head coaching interest as a result of their work this year.
The Rams’ Sean McVay and the Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald will likely earn Coach of the Year consideration. The same should be true for the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan, who has kept his team in the hunt despite an absurd number of notable injuries.
The 49ers survived an extended period without starting signal-caller Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle, who have returned from the shelf in recent weeks. They’ve also had to get by for most of the year without their two best defensive players, linebacker Fred Warner and end Nick Bosa. Warner suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle in Week 6. Bosa tore his ACL in Week 3. Without Bosa coming off the edge, the 49ers rank last in the league in sacks. Nevertheless, coordinator Robert Saleh has still cobbled together the game’s eighth-ranked scoring defense. Despite a failed run with the Jets, Saleh’s performance this season could earn him a second shot as a head coach in 2026.
The NFC West is setting up as a three-way fight to close out the season, but ESPN’s Football Power Index pegs the Rams as overwhelming favorites. They have a 56.3% chance to win the division. The Seahawks (27.5) and 49ers (16.3) are lagging well behind. How do you think it will play out? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.