San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is making headlines, and not just for his play on the field. According to multiple reports, Aiyuk is disgruntled, and it appears his contract situation is at the heart of the issue.
What’s Going On?
Brandon Aiyuk wants to be paid like a top receiver—and honestly, he’s got a case. He was one of the 49ers’ best offensive weapons last season. But despite his performance, contract talks between him and the team haven’t gone smoothly.
Here’s what’s been happening:
- Aiyuk unfollowed the 49ers on Instagram—a move that fans took as a sign he’s unhappy.
- He openly said on a podcast: “I’m trying to get what I deserve… what I bring to the organization.”
- He skipped mandatory team practices (minicamp), which often signals tension between a player and a team.
The Contract Dispute
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers in August 2024. That sounds like a big deal—and it is—but there’s a catch. The final year of the deal isn’t fully guaranteed, and that’s something Aiyuk reportedly isn’t happy about.
He and his team are pushing for more security, especially for that final year of the deal. From his perspective, he’s earned it. From the 49ers’ side, they may feel they’ve already made a big financial commitment.
Is a Trade Possible?
Trade rumors have been swirling for months. Aiyuk even requested a trade at one point, but so far, no team has made a serious move.
Why not?
Some teams might be hesitant because of Aiyuk’s injury history (he had an ACL/MCL issue).
Others may not want to take on a big contract unless they know he’ll be 100% healthy and fully bought in.
Bigger Picture for the 49ers
The Aiyuk situation comes at a time when the 49ers have other big financial decisions to make. Quarterback Brock Purdy is due for a major extension soon, which will put even more pressure on the team’s salary cap.
There have even been whispers that Deebo Samuel could be traded if the team needs to free up money—which shows just how complicated the situation has become.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are divided. Some think Aiyuk deserves more guaranteed money. Others believe he should honor the contract he just signed. Many simply hope both sides can move forward so the team can stay focused on winning.
One fan summed it up like this:
> “It’s a mess. We need Aiyuk, but not if it’s going to drag the whole team down.”
Final Thoughts
Brandon Aiyuk is a key part of the 49ers’ offense, and losing him would be a big blow. But if the two sides can’t come to a final agreement—and soon—the drama could continue into the season. Whether it ends with a restructured deal, a trade, or something else, the 49ers are facing a crucial decision that could shape their future.
