Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's latest Instagram antics raise questions as the NFL's trade season approaches

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 8:46 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers truly cannot catch a break. After an offseason of major decisions, Kyle Shanahan has navigated an incredibly banged up roster to a 4-2 record after six games. They just lost superstar linebacker Fred Warner to a season-ending ankle injury, too.

Now, there is more potential drama brewing with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. This latest update stems from some social media activity during the offseason that made plenty of 49ers fans nervous at the time.

Brandon Aiyuk unfollows 49ers and deletes posts mentioning team

NBC Sports has relayed that the 49ers wide receiver has been active on social media in a way that the franchise probably would not prefer recently. He's unfollowed the team on his Instagram account, and that isn't the first time this has occurred.

"The star wideout deleted all evidence of the 49ers from his Instagram account and has unfollowed the team. This is not a new phenomenon. Aiyuk has unfollowed the franchise before — during his hold-in while undergoing contract negotiations last summer.

Up until approximately two weeks ago, Aiyuk had been very visible during practice, running alongside his fellow receivers during the open portion of practice. Aiyuk's speed and agility during those sessions gave the impression that a return from a devastating knee injury could be soon." -- NBC Sports

I talked to A to Z's own Rob Gregson about the Aiyuk situation and where San Francisco can turn if they want to deal him at the trade deadline. Here's a hint: That won't be easy.

"If you do recall, the whole saga that was the Brandon Aiyuk contract negotiation in San Francisco began after some cryptic messaging following the Super Bowl loss, where he was rarely used. That parlayed into a ton of little hints and comments and even straight-up posts about how much he liked Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin, with Tomlin playing into the antics.

Ultimately, the 49ers signed Aiyuk, but in hindsight, they likely wish he were a Steeler. Having yet to live up to the contract, whether it was before the injury or now as he rehabs, you have to wonder if everyone would like a reset. The problem is, not only are you trading for a diminished asset due to injury, but Aiyuk is expensive. So even if he does want out, San Francisco will have a hard time finding a buyer." -- Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports

This is one of those situations that gets a bit odd for both sides. Does Aiyuk want to remain in San Francisco? Maybe - but why make this subtle but strong move on socials? That action doesn't line up with that belief.

On the flip side, the team is backed into a corner due to paying up when plenty of people felt confident that Aiyuk deserved a new contract. We'll see how it plays out for the 49ers and their wideout.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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