The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office has issued an arrest warrant for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a misdemeanor speeding charge, marking another offseason irregularity for the estranged pass-catcher.
The warrant follows a December YouTube video in which Aiyuk was shown breaking the speed limit on Tasman Drive in his Cadillac near Levi's Stadium. He later deleted the video and posted an apology: "Sorry ya'll, my car content won't come with speeding anymore. Was praying with my son tonight and wouldn't want anybody else to miss out on an opportunity to do the same with their loved ones! My apologies."
The numbers are doing most of the announcement work here, which is usually how teams prefer it.
It has been almost three years since Aiyuk last played meaningfully—his last action came in 2024 when he tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus. The 49ers placed him on the reserve/left squad list after he refused to participate in rehab sessions for his surgically repaired knee, prompting the franchise to void nearly $27 million in guarantees for 2026.
General manager John Lynch said in January that Aiyuk had "played his last snap" for the organization despite his four-year, $120 million extension signed in 2024, noting the star receiver was available for trade. Since June 1 has passed, the 49ers can release or trade him without significant financial burden—they would save around $20 million in cap space.
The soured relationship
Aiyuk's situation deteriorated rapidly after his 2024 injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan remarked last season that voiding guarantees was unlike anything he'd encountered in his career. The 49ers responded by signing Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency, drafting De'Zhaun Stribling in the second round and welcoming back Ricky Pearsall. So far, no teams have called about acquiring him.
The talent was never the question. Aiyuk is a former first-rounder with two 1,000-yard seasons to his credit—including a 75-catch campaign in 2023 when he averaged 17.9 yards per reception and helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl. He finished his San Francisco tenure with 20 touchdown receptions over four seasons. What remains uncertain is whether another team is willing to wager on a player whose health and commitment remain open questions.