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The saga continues between wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers, this time with the polarizing star calling out the team’s general manager and head coach.
Aiyuk, who has posted rants on social media about his toxic situation in the Bay Area, made perhaps his most explosive video yet, in which he claims that Shanahan, considered one of the best coaches in the NFL, has “the temperament of a fucking toddler.”
“We’re not cool,” Aiyuk said of his relationship with the Niners. “We will not be cool and I will never enter this building except October 19.”
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk walks on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
Why October 19 specifically? Well, Aiyuk hasn’t been shy about where he actually wants to play in the NFL – with the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels were college teammates at Arizona State, and they remain good friends today.
But Aiyuk, this time posting the video on YouTube, said he fired his agent because he also represented 49ers general manager John Lynch, although he did not specifically name Lynch during the video.
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Aiyuk has not been shy about expressing his displeasure with Lynch, and this time he claims he showed up unannounced at his home. He said he saw on his home security camera that a “tall old white boy. White man. Former NFL security guard” arrived at his house.
Once again, he refused to name Lynch in the video.
Before this video, Aiyuk posted on Instagram saying “Come on Commanders! Raise Hail! Take command!” He hasn’t blinked when it comes to his dream destination, but whether he’ll ultimately join them in the NFC East is still up for debate.
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)
Aiyuk asked the 49ers to cut him, which seems like the inevitable situation here. However, Lynch and the Niners held on, despite forfeiting the remainder of the guaranteed money he was owed on his four-year, $120 million extension. The 49ers did so after Aiyuk failed to participate in rehab sessions for a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus he suffered in his right knee during the 2024 season.
“If I’m crazy or if I’m cappin, tell them the boys cut me today and I’ll sign with the commanders tomorrow. We’ll see who cappin’,” Aiyuk said in another video.
This seems a bit more complicated than Aiyuk hopes, however. First, the 49ers placed him on the reserve/left roster in December after he failed to report to the team facility for rehabilitation. Aiyuk must file reinstatement paperwork, according to ESPN, and the 49ers are not obligated to release him until he does so.
The firing of his agent, Ryan Williams of Athletes First, likely adds to Aiyuk remaining in NFL limbo.
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers watches 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)
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Aiyuk began expressing his frustration with San Francisco earlier this month, including in videos in which he called the 49ers “stupid” and “stupid” for granting him his extension. He also claims the team is afraid to release him because of his performance elsewhere in the league.
Before getting injured in 2024, Aiyuk had 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.
