Richard Sherman raises concerns after 49ers strip Brandon Aiyuk of $120 million guaranteed amid confusing absence

Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation took another sharp turn this week, and it has left former Super Bowl champion Richard Sherman completely puzzled. On Monday, during a new episode of The Richard Sherman Podcast, the retired cornerback spoke about the wide receiver’s strange absence from the field. Brandon Aiyuk has been on the PUP list since July 2025 as he continued to heal from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in 2024. Even with months of recovery time, he has not played a single snap this season for the San Francisco 49ers. Because of this, the 49ers decided to void a large part of the guaranteed money in his four-year, $120 million contract.

Richard Sherman questions Brandon Aiyuk’s actions after contract voided

Richard Sherman said on Monday from his podcast studio that he has “inside information,” but the whole situation still makes no sense to him. He explained that the decision was bad for both the team and the wide receiver. 

The 49ers removed around $26 million in guaranteed salary for 2026 after Brandon Aiyuk failed to return to play at any point this year.

Richard Sherman on Brandon Aiyuk:

“Unfortunately I had a little bit more inside information so it’s not as shocking for me. It’s shocking because it’s going to play out this way because this scenario at this point in the season helps nobody. I’m not blaming BA, I’m not blaming… pic.twitter.com/9SUFCeXd3W

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) November 24, 2025

Richard Sherman said, “It helps nobody when a player stays out this long. I’m not blaming Brandon Aiyuk or the San Francisco 49ers. But Brandon Aiyuk coming back and giving his best helps both sides.” 

He pointed out that remaining out may damage a player’s market if he desires a transfer, but that when he is active his worth rises. The 49ers chose Brandon Aiyuk 25th in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

Seven touchdowns and 1,342 receiving yards in 2023 made him a crucial offensive asset. Given his great seasons, the team rewarded him four years for $120 million extension in August 2024.

The unforeseen contract modification in November 2025 has now raised even more questions about his future career possibilities.

Kyle Shanahan says Brandon Aiyuk has not been cleared to play

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters on Saturday in Santa Clara, California, and said the move to void Brandon Aiyuk’s contract was “unusual.” 

Kyle Shanahan told ESPN that in more than 20 years of coaching, he had never seen a contract voided in this way. He explained that the medical staff has still not cleared the wide receiver to return to practice or games.

Kyle Shanahan said, “It takes a lot for a contract to be voided. I have never seen anything like this in my career.” He shared that the team has followed all steps with the medical group, and they will not rush Brandon Aiyuk back.

The San Francisco 49ers, now 8-4, will face the Cleveland Browns (3-8) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium.