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Brandon Aiyuk continues to stir the NFL offseason rumor mill after yet another social media video, this time calling out a specific team.
San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch previously noted that it’s “safe to say” that Aiyuk has “played his last snap with the Niners,” as the polarizing wide receiver voices his frustrations with the organization.
In his latest Instagram video posted on his Stories on Sunday evening, Aiyuk was heard shouting, “Go Commanders! Go Commanders! Go Commanders! Raise Hail! Take Command!”
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Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines before the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Jan. 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 not only said Aiyuk is done, but that these public displays of displeasure from Aiyuk don’t paint him in the best light despite his talent.
49ers TO DEAL WITH BRANDON AIYUK AFTER INJURY AND CONTRACT TURBO, GM SAYS
Aiyuk began talking about his frustration with San Francisco earlier this month, including videos where he called the 49ers “stupid” and “stupid” for giving him his extension. He also claims the team is afraid to release him because of how he could perform elsewhere in the league.
The Commanders are a team Aiyuk has invoked several times in his social media outbursts and hinted that he wants to play again with Jayden Daniels, his former quarterback at Arizona who now plays for Washington. Daniels and Aiyuk remain close friends and the latter has shown himself wearing a Commander’s hat.
Aiyuk also follows only five accounts on Instagram, Commanders and Daniels being two of them.
The rift between Aiyuk and the 49ers has been going on for nearly a full year now, after the team voided the remaining guaranteed money he was owed on his extension. The 49ers did so after Aiyuk did not participate in 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 October 10, 2024. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)
Then the 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left tackle list back in December after he stopped showing up to the team facility.
That has been a pain point for the team and has trickled down into 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 PFT Commenter, a die-hard Commanders fan.
“I used to make a habit of going out early in the morning before meets to watch him work out because he was always out there early and I’d see him run over 22 miles an hour and see him stop on a dime. He’s still got it, but it’s been eight months, so I don’t really know. You guys have fun with it, I guess.”
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, Calif., on Sept. 17, 2023. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Thus continues the Aiyuk saga in the Bay Area, with a decision ultimately coming. It’s just a matter of when.
Before getting injured in 2024, Aiyuk tallied 24 catches for 374 yards during that season. He broke out with 1,342 yards on 75 receptions and seven touchdowns during the 2023 season for the 49ers, helping them reach the Super Bowl.
