"He's a quiet guy": Ricky Pearsall gets candid about Brandon Aiyuk as 49ers void $27,000,000 from WR's contract

Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall are quite familiar with each other. The two have shared a roster together for two seasons, and while Aiyuk has spent about as much time off the field as on in Pearsall's time with the San Francisco 49ers, Pearsall has a better read on Aiyuk than most.

Pearsall was asked about his teammate this week, according to a Saturday report by NFL ESPN reporter Nick Wagoner on X. The younger receiver claimed he was attempting to "pay his dues" to the veteran.

"I think he's doing fine," Pearsall said. "You know what I mean? It's hard because he's a quiet guy, he’s to himself, but as much as I can reach out to him and show love his way because he’s done that throughout my journey. So I'm just trying to pay my dues back to him and I think he's doing good."

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While he is trying to pay his dues, the 49ers are not. According to The Athletic via Fox News, the team has reportedly voided the money for his contract option in 2026, which seemingly sets up the team to cut ties with Aiyuk after the 2025 season.

Before, he had been set up with at least 2026 to prove his worth on a deal that had been potentially able to go on through the end of the 2028 season, per Spotrac.

Exploring potential landing spots for Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk at Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers - Source: Getty

If Brandon Aiyuk were to become a free agent after the 2025 season, several landing spots make sense. Aiyuk's recent history and exit would seemingly set a low ceiling in terms of earning potential, which could make him a top option on the market.

Teams in need of a wide receiver could be the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Denver Broncos. Losing Stefon Diggs has seemingly caught up to the Buffalo Bills, who have relied on Josh Allen's heroics and James Cook far too much in the eyes of many.

The Denver Broncos have a wide receiver room in need of some youth, with Courtland Sutton entering his 30s and spotty play outside of the veteran. Bo Nix is seemingly a receiver away, and winning the gamble on Aiyuk could put the team over the edge.

The Miami Dolphins are seemingly poised to lose Tyreek Hill, so they could fill the veteran receiver void with Brandon Aiyuk, who has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt. If the 49ers elect to go with a trade route, all three teams pose a minimal chance of playoff blowback as AFC teams.

Edited by Ian Van Roy