San Francisco 49ers’ history of missed rehab sessions and severe team conflicts has turned the recent rumors linking Brandon Aiyuk to the Dallas Cowboys into a complete non-starter. He hasn’t played a snap since tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus in Week 7 of the 2024 season, and the fallout from that injury has since torched his standing in San Francisco. During his recovery, Aiyuk missed mandatory rehab sessions with the team’s medical staff, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The franchise didn’t remain silent. They responded by voiding a $24.9 million option bonus tied to his 2026 guarantees. Kyle Shanahan confirmed the decision came together internally in July 2025, even though it wasn’t made public until that November.
From there, the relationship went cold. Aiyuk reportedly stopped talking to the coaching staff and the front office. The team placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December. Since then, he has stated on social media that he will not apply for league reinstatement. That refusal blocks the 49ers from releasing him.
He also criticized the NFLPA over its handling of his contract grievance. In a deleted post, he targeted Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels after rumors linked him to a trade there. The Northern Nevada native signed a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, but his actions have derailed both his contract and his reputation across the league. That chaotic backdrop is exactly why the latest Cowboys buzz doesn’t hold up. NFL aggregator Dov Kleiman posted on X that Polymarket had Dallas at a 21% shot to land Aiyuk, whether by trade or free-agent deal. But now that number dropped under 1%, with the Baltimore Ravens sitting as favorites at 4%. On his social media handle, Cowboys analyst Law Thomas of Law Nation Media dismissed the idea, penning, “I can predict that this is a 0% chance.”
While Jerry Jones likes high-profile acquisitions, taking on Aiyuk’s $120 million contract, alongside his severe knee injuries and team conflict, is unrealistic.
The front office is already financially committed to wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Consequently, they are not even considering Aiyuk for their offensive roster
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