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49ers' Aiyuk Trade Decision Stalls Amid Mixed Signals

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The San Francisco 49ers face uncertainty over Brandon Aiyuk's future as coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York deliver conflicting messages. Shanahan reaffirmed that Aiyuk has played his last snap for the team, though no trade timeline exists. York countered by emphasizing Aiyuk's value, stating, 'I think anything's possible,' while highlighting roster upgrades like Mike Evans and Christian Kirk to foster a supportive locker room.

Financial hurdles loom: Aiyuk's $24.935 million option bonus, unexercised due to his knee injury, could complicate a deal. If unpaid, the bonus would spike his 2026 salary to $26 million, a figure Shanahan called unsustainable. York acknowledged health concerns, admitting he hasn't seen Aiyuk since his injury, adding medical recovery as a critical variable.

The situation mirrors 2022's Jimmy Garoppolo saga, where initial trade chatter dissolved after contract renegotiations. While York expressed hope to retain Aiyuk, Shanahan's stance suggests eventual departure, pending resolution of contractual and medical issues.