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Brandon Aiyuk continues to stir up NFL offseason rumors after yet another video on social media, this time shouting out a specific team.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch had noted in the past that it was “safe to say” that Aiyuk had “played his last game with the Niners,” as the polarizing receiver expressed his frustrations with the organization.
In his latest Instagram video, posted to his Stories on Sunday evening, Aiyuk was heard shouting: “Go commanders! Go commanders! Go commanders! Raise the hail! Take command!”
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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)
Then, Aiyuk posted a photo of former Washington quarterback Mark Rypien lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XXVI.
Lynch was looking for a trade partner for Aiyuk, who signed a four-year extension worth $120 million with the 49ers in August 2024. But it probably doesn’t help that Lynch not only said Aiyuk was done, but that these public displays of displeasure from Aiyuk don’t portray him in the best light despite his talent.
49ERS WILL PART WAY WITH BRANDON AIYUK AFTER INJURIES, CONTRACT TROUBLES, GM SAYS
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.
The Commanders are a team that Aiyuk has repeatedly invoked in his social media outbursts, hinting that he wants to play again with Jayden Daniels, his former Arizona State quarterback who now plays for Washington. Daniels and Aiyuk remain close friends, and the latter showed up wearing a commander’s hat.
Additionally, Aiyuk only follows five accounts on Instagram, including Commanders and Daniels.
The rift between Aiyuk and the 49ers has lasted for almost a year now after the team forfeited the remainder of the guaranteed money he was owed for his 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.
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 team roster in December after he stopped reporting to the team’s facilities.
This has been a problem 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 PFT Commenter, a die-hard Commanders fan.
“I used to go out early in the morning before meetings to watch him practice because he was always there early, and I would watch him run over 22 miles an hour and watch him stop in no time. He still has it, but that was eight months ago, so I don’t really know. You 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, 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, with a decision ultimately to come. It’s just a question of when.
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.
