How the 49ers can save around $20 million on Brandon Aiyuk’s contract

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers speaks with Brandon Aiyuk #11 prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Now that we are in June, NFL teams can cut or release players if they haven't already made their two designations for more salary cap relief.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler spoke to a pair of rival NFL executives about San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and they believe Aiyuk has become untradeable.

John Lynch has made it seem like the Niners are holding out hope that they could get some kind of compensation for Aiyuk. The longer the team waits, the less likely it feels like they'll be able to salvage any kind of trade.

Fowler admitted as much, while also bringing up a salary cap impact that would save the 49ers roughly $20 million against the cap now that we're in the post-June 1 window:

Brandon Aiyuk's future is squarely in limbo right now. So after June 1 is when the 49ers can save about $20 million on the cap if they were to cut him. I talked to two rival executives that believe he's simply untradeable right now.

It's just because of the knee issue. He didn't play all year. He's kind of ghosted the 49ers at times. They haven't really had a lot of communication with him. Then you've got the contract.

If he is released at some point this summer, the 49ers have a clear runway where they can save about $20 million on the cap. There will be interest at that point. Maybe they can salvage a trade. Probably not is my feeling right now.

As for the players and coaches, they're worried about OTAs and mandatory minicamp next week. They're also focused on the people in the building who are going to help them win in 2026 and beyond.

It's clear by now that that does not include Aiyuk, which is why, even if the 49ers were to get any compensation, that'll be nothing more than a Day 3 pick, and perhaps a conditional late Day 3 pick.