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Brandon Aiyuk continues to stir up NFL offseason rumors after another video on social media, this time shouting out a specific team.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch has noted in the past that it’s “safe to say” that Aiyuk has “played his last snap with the Niners,” as the polarizing wide receiver expresses his frustrations with the organization.
In his latest Instagram video, which was posted to his Stories on Sunday night, Aiyuk was heard shouting, “Come on, commanders! Come on, commanders! Come on, commanders! Raise your salute! Take command!”
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Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the field before the NFC championship game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on January 28, 2024. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Aiyuk then posted a photo of former Washington quarterback Mark Rypien hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XXVI.
Lynch has been looking for a trade partner for Aiyuk, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers in August 2024. But it probably doesn’t help that Lynch has not only said that Aiyuk is finished, but that these public displays of discontent on Aiyuk’s part don’t portray him in the best light despite his talent.
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Aiyuk began speaking out about his frustration with San Francisco earlier this month, including videos in which he called the 49ers “dumb” and “stupid” for giving him his extension. He also claims the team is afraid to release him because of his performance elsewhere in the league.
The Commanders are a team Aiyuk has invoked several times in his social media outbursts, hinting that he wants to play again with Jayden Daniels, his former Arizona State quarterback who is now a Washington star. Daniels and Aiyuk remain close friends, with the latter shown wearing a Commander hat.
Furthermore, Aiyuk follows only five accounts on Instagram, Commanders and Daniels being two of them.
The rift between Aiyuk and the 49ers has lasted almost a full year after the team voided the remaining guaranteed money he was owed for his extension. The 49ers did so after Aiyuk missed rehab sessions for a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus he suffered in his right knee during the 2024 season.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk catches the ball during warmups before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Steven Bisig/Image Images)
The 49ers then placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left team list in December after he stopped reporting to the team facility.
It’s been a sore spot for the team and has resulted in questions the media has to ask other 49ers stars, including tight end George Kittle. During an interview with Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast, Kittle was asked what Aiyuk looked like the last time he saw him on a field. The question came from the PFT commenter, a die-hard Commanders fan.
“I used to make a habit of going out early in the morning before meetings to watch him train because he always came out early, and I saw him run over 22 miles an hour and I saw him stop on a dime. He still has it, but that was eight months ago, so I really don’t know. I guess you guys have fun with that.”
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on September 17, 2023. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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So, the Aiyuk saga continues in the Bay Area and a decision will eventually be made. It’s just a question of when.
Before getting injured in 2024, Aiyuk had 24 receptions for 374 yards during that season. He broke out for 1,342 yards on 75 receptions and seven touchdowns during the 2023 season for the 49ers, helping them reach the Super Bowl.
