Brandon Aiyuk’s split from the 49ers continues to worsen

Conflict Intensifies Between Brandon Aiyuk and 49ers

The ongoing verbal clash between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers escalated on Tuesday.

In a video shared on social media, Aiyuk openly criticized the organization, calling them “stupid” for their financial decisions regarding him. He expressed frustration with himself over how the situation has unfolded.

This video came after Aiyuk released another clip over the weekend, where he suggested that the 49ers’ players, whom he referred to as “boys,” should “stop running away from the Bills.”

These videos are notably the first substantial remarks from Aiyuk since the team placed him on the reserve/left team list last December. He hasn’t played a game for the 49ers since sustaining a torn ACL during the 2024 season.

Before the 2024 season began, Aiyuk was in a holding pattern during training camp but eventually accepted a four-year extension with the team, potentially worth up to $120 million.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch are still holding the stance that Aiyuk has played his last game for the 49ers. At an end-of-season press conference in January, Shanahan hinted at a disconnect with Aiyuk, stating, “In the end, we understand that the situation will not change and we must move forward with the football team.”

On the same day in January, Lynch declared that Aiyuk was “done” with the Niners.

Later, at the league’s annual meeting in March, Shanahan reiterated that perspective but didn’t specify a deadline for a resolution.

He mentioned in March, “There’s no set date, but I think it will eventually resolve itself.” He expressed hope that they could work something out, although he emphasized that the team’s priorities came first.

What that resolution might entail is still unclear, but many speculate that Aiyuk could end up with the Commanders. This speculation is fueled by his connection with Jaden Daniels from Arizona State, especially after Aiyuk posted a picture donning a Commanders hat recently.

However, it’s important to note that Aiyuk is officially under contract with San Francisco until the end of the 2028 season. The 49ers have voided his guaranteed money for 2026, but his 2027 guarantees remain intact on their books.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport discussed the situation on Monday, explaining, “First of all, this is what the San Francisco 49ers want: They have his rights. He forfeited his rights by not coming to rehab, so he doesn’t have to pay bond.” He suggested that the team is likely looking to trade Aiyuk to a familiar organization, probably the Commanders, since they share connections to his former teammate and some of their management.

Rapoport highlighted that the management’s preference is to sign him rather than trade. The impasse, with neither side willing to budge, could continue with Aiyuk’s Instagram communications keeping the story alive through the off-season.