Word of Aiyuk’s voided guaranteed money, which happened in July, leaked 11 days ago and was confirmed by Shanahan, igniting questions about the reality of the receiver, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension in 2024, returning this season.
Prior to the news coming out, the Niners didn’t seem so pessimistic about Aiyuk’s chances of playing in 2025. Lynch was asked if the report added any strain to an already wounded relationship.
“I don’t necessarily know that the reporting was an inflection point, but I think, the entire time, it hadn’t been great,” Lynch admitted. “And so, you do your best to rectify those things, and then, everyone’s got to be professionals and conduct themselves in that manner. And so, that’s how we treat all our players. And we have great relationships with our players. We’ve had a great relationship with Brandon, and we look forward to that continuing.”
Voiding the guarantees is a preemptive move to a parting of ways in the offseason. Given how both Shanahan and Lynch are approaching the situation, it doesn’t sound like Aiyuk will play another down in a Niners jersey.