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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s turbulent separation from the franchise has taken another turn after reports surfaced that an arrest warrant has been issued for him in Santa Clara County, California.
According to multiple reports, the warrant stems from a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed linked to a video Aiyuk posted on YouTube in December. The video allegedly showed the veteran receiver driving significantly above the posted speed limit on a road near Levi’s Stadium, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
Viral Video Leads to Misdemeanor Charge
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the warrant is connected to a video Aiyuk shared online, in which he appeared to record himself while driving a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing on Tasman Drive, a roadway adjacent to the 49ers’ home stadium.
After the video gained widespread attention, Aiyuk publicly apologized for posting the footage.
“Sorry ya’ll, my car content won’t come with speeding anymore,” Aiyuk wrote on YouTube at the time. “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.”
The Santa Clara Police Department later investigated the incident before forwarding the case to prosecutors in January.
Trade Efforts Continue Amid Ongoing Fallout
The legal issue arrives at a time when Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers already appears all but over.
The receiver has not appeared in a game since suffering a devastating knee injury in October 2024 that included ACL, MCL and meniscus damage. Tensions between Aiyuk and the organization escalated during his recovery process, ultimately leading the 49ers to place him on the reserve/left squad list and void nearly $27 million in guaranteed money after he reportedly failed to attend mandatory rehabilitation sessions.
San Francisco’s leadership has repeatedly indicated that a fresh start may be best for both sides. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear earlier this year that they do not expect Aiyuk to play for the franchise again.
Market for Aiyuk Remains Limited
Despite the team’s willingness to move on, finding a trade partner has proven difficult.
Aiyuk’s injury history, contract situation and strained relationship with the organization have reportedly cooled interest around the league. Lynch acknowledged after the NFL Draft that trade discussions had generated little momentum, though the team remains open to offers rather than releasing the talented receiver outright.
The 49ers gained additional roster flexibility after June 1, when league rules allowed them to spread any remaining dead-cap charges over multiple seasons if they decide to trade or release him.
Once a Franchise Cornerstone
Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk developed into one of the NFL’s most productive receivers during his peak years in San Francisco. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023 after recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
However, a combination of injuries, contract disputes and off-field controversies has dramatically altered the trajectory of his career.
As the legal process unfolds and trade talks remain stalled, the 49ers and Aiyuk continue moving toward what appears to be an inevitable separation.
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