The San Francisco 49ers got another obvious reason to stop playing around and just release disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk .
Over the last year, Aiyuk has gone from one of the core members of the 49ers roster to a pariah in the locker room after he distanced himself from the team and missed all of the 2026 NFL season. Well, the team got another reason to stop waiting and just release him on Wednesday.
ESPN's Nick Wagoner broke the news that the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office issued a warrant for the arrest of Aiyuk on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speeding. The charge stems from a December incident when the receiver recorded himself driving well above a 40 MPH speed limit on a road near Levi Stadium.
"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," Aiyuk said in a YouTube post a few days after the original video.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After the post went viral, the Santa Clara Police Department revealed the following month that they had opened an investigation into the incident. Obviously, they found clear evidence of a crime and issued the arrest warrant this week.
Late last year, the 49ers voided the $27 million in guaranteed money on Aiyuk's contract after he failed to meet the obligations of his deal and suit up for the team in 2025. Reports suggested general manager John Lynch has not released him from his contract in the hopes they can get something back in a trade if they are willing to be patient.
However, with the talented receiver bringing bad press to the franchise this week, Lynch has just another reason to make an addition by subtraction move and cut bait with the five-year veteran now.
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