NFL Insiders Dispute Brandon Aiyuk’s Claim About 49ers’ Intentions…
Multiple NFL insiders dispute Brandon Aiyuk’s recent claim that the San Francisco 49ers don’t want him back.
After Brandon Aiyuk stated that the 49ers “don’t want me back,” NFL insiders have stepped in to refute his assertion.
On Monday, 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk shared a video on social media, drawing significant attention. In the video, Aiyuk, on a FaceTime call with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, claimed, “They said they don’t want me back… I swear.”
The video’s context is peculiar, as it appears staged to highlight ongoing, contentious contract extension negotiations. This isn’t Aiyuk’s first cryptic social media post amid these talks.
Contrary to Aiyuk’s statement, the 49ers’ front office has consistently expressed a desire to retain him long-term. Additionally, insiders find the claim inconsistent with the language a front office would use.
Respected NFL insiders have openly disagreed with Aiyuk’s assertion. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, well-informed about the 49ers’ operations, dismissed the claim, stating, “I would be absolutely shocked… that the 49ers, whoever it would be, telling Brandon Aiyuk that we don’t want you back. There’s no way they said that.”
Maiocco emphasized that the 49ers still have Aiyuk under contract for 2024 and could franchise tag him in 2025, making a trade illogical for a Super Bowl-contending team.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport supported Maiocco, suggesting that Aiyuk’s comments reflect frustration over stalled extension talks rather than the team’s actual intentions. “They like him. They really like him,” Rapoport noted. “They just have not been able to come together on a deal.”
Aiyuk’s post appears to be an attempt to gain leverage in public contract negotiations, a common tactic among players. However, the notion that the 49ers don’t want him seems unsubstantiated.
In light of ongoing contract disputes, Aiyuk’s video has stirred trade rumors and heightened tensions among 49ers fans. Despite this, there is still hope for a long-term deal. The team might eventually reach an agreement after a tumultuous offseason, potentially even through a public announcement via social media.
For now, the 49ers remain focused on resolving Aiyuk’s contract situation, aiming to secure one of their key offensive players and maintain their high-performing offense.
Leave a Reply