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San Francisco 49ers General manager John Lynch has noted in the past that it’s “safe to say” that Brandon Aiyuk’s time with the team is over, and George Kittle is apparently happy about that.
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, from which he still has not returned.
The Niners are looking for a trade partner, but nothing has come to fruition yet. However, Kittle wishes whoever brings him “good luck.”
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George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers stand on the field at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 11, 2024. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
“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,” Kittle told the host of Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast, PFT, a Washington Commanders fan.
The long rumor has it that Aiyuk and the commanders finally come to an understanding. In a recent video on his Instagram story, Aiyuk was heard shouting: “Come on commanders! Go commanders! Go commanders! Raise the hail! Take command!”
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 claimed the team was afraid to release him because of his performance elsewhere in the league.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Brandon Aiyuk after scoring a 32-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 20, 2024. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Along with the video encouraging the Commanders, Aiyuk posted a photo of former Washington quarterback Mark Rypien lifting the ball. Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XXVI.
The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left team roster in December after he stopped reporting to the team’s facilities.
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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Before getting injured in 2024, Aiyuk had 24 catches for 374 yards 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.
