There’ll likely be some good to come out of all of this.
The San Francisco 49ers certainly wish their relationship with disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk never reached this point.
But it has.
Just over a year after signing a lucrative extension amid what were then tense negotiations and trade rumors, Aiyuk and the Niners appear to be fully embracing a separation, indicated by reports from both Mike Silver and Dianna Russini of The Athletic, then backed up by Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer.
Muddying the already ugly waters is the previous report about how San Francisco immediately regretted the extension, which prompted subsequent cost-cutting efforts the following offseason that dramatically impacted the 49ers roster.
So, The Athletic’s news of the Niners voiding Aiyuk’s $26-plus million in guarantees for 2026 — an action Aiyuk’s camp won’t combat — tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the relationship.
It’s soon to be over.
That said, San Francisco suddenly finds itself rich in cap space. With just over $20 million in projected available space for 2026, according to Over the Cap, the newfound money to spend would put the 49ers at No. 2 in the league, in terms of cap space, trailing only the New England Patriots’ projected $52 million.
And that means the Niners may go after a dream free agent as a result.
49ers could target Trey Hendrickson as prime free-agent grab amid Brandon Aiyuk news
Granted, going after a prime veteran free-agent pass-rusher like the Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson wouldn’t jive with San Francisco’s recent approach of getting both younger and cheaper.
But, in light of the their league-low 13 sacks through 12 weeks, it’s painfully obvious the 49ers need pass-rushing help, especially after season-ending losses to defensive ends Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams.
Both Bosa and Williams remain in the Niners’ long-term plans, yes. But the opportunity to target a player like Hendrickson, who registered back-to-back 17.5-sack campaigns in 2023 and 2024, might simply be too good to pass up.
Sure, Hendrickson has battled injuries this season and is having what many would view as a down year with just four sacks over seven games. And the soon-to-be 31 year old isn’t exactly an up-and-coming talent.
That said, a down year might play better into San Francisco’s offer.
OTC values Hendrickson’s 2025 efforts at just over $11 million on the season. And while he’d assuredly command much more on his next free-agent deal, the freed-up money from Aiyuk’s voided guarantee should easily cover the vast bulk of what Hendrickson should cost.
So, if the 49ers still view their championship window as being wide open, what to do with that cash is brutally clear.
