Even one of Brandon Aiyuk’s most vocal supporters is urging caution for any team considering acquiring the talented yet troubled wide receiver from the 49ers.
Aiyuk, 27, hasn’t seen the field since suffering an ACL tear midway through the 2024 season. Earlier that year, he signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension, but negotiations turned tense, straining his relationship with the Niners, leading to reports that the team might void his contract guarantees and release him.
TJ Houshmandzadeh, Aiyuk’s personal coach and staunch advocate during the contract talks, was recently asked on the talk show “Speakeasy” whether teams should pursue Aiyuk despite his issues over the past year.
“Yes, they should want him,” he remarked. “But you have to be careful.”
Aiyuk was drafted 25th overall in 2020 from Arizona State University and quickly became essential to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive strategy. In his first four seasons, he recorded 269 receptions for 3,931 yards, including two consecutive seasons of over 1,000 yards in 2022 and 2023.
This performance earned him a lucrative contract extension with $76 million guaranteed. However, according to Houshmandzadeh, the negotiation meetings were filled with controversy and negativity behind the scenes, with actions from general manager John Lynch and the front office allegedly offending Aiyuk.
Last April, the 49ers paid him $47 million in guarantees, but reportedly dropped the remaining $29 million during training camp after Aiyuk failed to adhere to ACL rehab protocols.
Aiyuk has been largely absent from the 49ers’ facility. The team placed him on the reserve list in December, with Shanahan stating he had not seen him in “forever.” Shortly after, Aiyuk posted a social media video of himself speeding through Levi’s Stadium at over 90 miles per hour.
Houshmandzadeh noted he hadn’t talked to Aiyuk in some time but expressed surprise at this new behavior. He suggested that a “monster” within Aiyuk was awakened by the financial pressure, saying, “money just brought out the monster inside him.” He further remarked, “What he did last year was kind of crazy. With guaranteed money, he doesn’t show up and gets fined—it doesn’t make sense.”
Despite his concerns, Houshmandzadeh said he’d still want Aiyuk on his team, but only at the right price. “We need to ensure we’re protected financially as an organization. I’ve never seen a player behave this way at such a young age after several years,” he added.
This week brought reports indicating that the 49ers might release Aiyuk, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarified that the team was unlikely to take that step immediately. Instead, they could consider trading him during the NFL Draft to retain some value.
If Aiyuk hits free agency, Schefter mentioned the Commanders as potential suitors. He played with their quarterback, Jaden Daniels, during his time at ASU. Houshmandzadeh commented there was a “99.99%” chance Aiyuk would end up in Washington.
“He really wants to play football. I know that,” he said. “If he goes to the Commanders, I hope reuniting with Daniels will reignite his passion for the game.”
