49ers have $24.9 million reason to drag out Brandon Aiyuk decision

The San Francisco 49ers are a team that a few organizations around the NFL are keeping their eyes on, as the saga with Brandon Aiyuk is steadily approaching a conclusion.

Aiyuk is all but certain to be off the team by the start of the 2026 season, but there is a question of when such a decision happens, and whether it's in the form of a trade or a release.

However, as Spotrac on Twitter/x highlighted, the 49ers' decision with Aiyuk can wait until as late as September 1 thanks to a $24.9 million reason.

Why 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk decision might not happen until September

"The 49ers don't need to make a decision on Brandon Aiyuk's $24,935,000 option bonus until September 1st," Spotrac shared.

Since that massive option bonus, which the 49ers almost assuredly don't want to pay any part of, doesn't come into play until September 1, they have some time to make a decision.

It's not even July yet, giving the 49ers well over two months to figure out a resolution with Aiyuk before the 2026 season, and his contract option comes into play.

Spotrac also noted why the 49ers can be more patient than some other teams, as Aiyuk's $13.6 million cap figure for 2026 is "more than reasonable" for the team to carry.

MORE: 49ers voice frustrations over grueling 2026 travel schedule

Since the 49ers have $72 million in cap space according to Spotrac, that $13.6 million cap figure is one the 49ers don't have to worry about keeping on their books for now, since it's not stopping them from signing free agents or their draft picks.

If they were out of cap space, then an Aiyuk decision might've come sooner than later. But with a ton of space, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are in no rush to move on from Aiyuk.

They're holding out hope for a team, like the Washington Commanders, to offer a trade package, as otherwise the 49ers are going to have to cut Aiyuk.

Since the 49ers can hold onto Aiyuk until September, the leverage they hold is keeping Aiyuk from joining his new team in time to get into rhythm with his new offense.

There's no telling when this situation will finally be resolved, but for now, this doesn't look like it's ending any time soon, with so much time until the 49ers are finally forced to make a decision.

More NFL news:

• Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots release
• Harold Fannin Jr. will need to prove his worth in Todd Monken’s Browns offense
• Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026
• Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverage
• Bears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up with DJ Moore traded