NFL agents throw shade at 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk for offseason drama

The ongoing contract dispute between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may just drag out into the regular season.

San Francisco expected Aiyuk to practice on Wednesday, but after he did not show up again, general manager John Lynch took some pointed shots at him through the media both after practice and at a Players for a Purpose event Wednesday night.

The situation has been messy and played out in a very public setting, and it may be weeks before a resolution is reached. But one thing some NFL agents seem to agree on is that Aiyuk could’ve handled things better.

“He's handled it horribly,” one anonymous agent told Ben Standig of The Athletic. “But sometimes you must take your grievances public. Silly, yes, but taking the team name or logo off social media accounts can cause a needed stir.”

Added another agent: “I’m a proponent of keeping negotiations quiet, but that isn’t always easy. I think (public displays) do more harm to a player than good.”

Aiyuk hasn’t participated in training camp and he didn’t play in any of the team’s preseason games. 

He’s under contract for the 2024 season at $14.124 million under his fifth-year option, and while it seems highly unlikely he’d sit out a full year, he also appears content on calling the 49ers’ bluff.

San Francisco had trades worked out with both the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns for Aiyuk, but he refused to sign a contract extension for either. 

It’s believed the 26-year-old wideout wants to either end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers or Washington Commanders if he’s traded, but there’s been no recent traction on a deal with either team.