Getty Image
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk is no longer happy in San Francisco, at least according to his inner circle. The wideout’s girlfriend and best friend have expressed those frustrations online following the team’s overtime Super Bowl loss.
Aiyuk was targeted six times over four+ quarters of action, hauling in three catches for 49 yards. Those around him believe he deserved a more prominent role in the gameplan.
Instead, it was a game for Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel. CMC did his part, turning in 160 yards and a score on his team-leading 30 touches.
Samuel, however, was only able to bring in three of his team-high 11 targets.
Instead of force-feeding Deebo, maybe getting Aiyuk more involved would’ve helped the offense gain some momentum.
It’s not as if he was a no-show throughout the year. The pass catcher experienced his best pro season in 2023, hauling in 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards. Both marks led the team.
That success continued into the playoffs where his incredible circus catch in the NFC Championship helped spark a three-score comeback against Detroit.
Unfortunately, he was unable to make a real impact in the Super Bowl, and those close to him say it could affect his future.
Will Brandon Aiyuk leave the 49ers? His inner circle says, “Yes.”
Brandon Aiyuk’s girlfriend and another close friend imply he might not be with the 49ers next season 👀
The 49ers picked up Aiyuk’s fifth-year option for 2024 last offseason at $14.12M pic.twitter.com/3cfiUXKatt
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 13, 2024
Both Aiyuk’s best friend and girlfriend hinted that his time in San Francisco was coming to an end.
“Why does your All-Pro 1,300-yard WR have 3 catches in the Super Bowl,” his buddy wrote on Instagram. “This is exactly the reason why we’re leaving San Francisco.”
Aiyuk’s girlfriend seemed to echo that sentiment.
“We might not be out here next season.”
Brandon Aiyuk, himself, commented on the situation on social media with a cryptic message that read, “Don’t forget what got you here,” a jab at the offense forgetting about him on the biggest stage.
San Francisco picked up Aiyuk’s 5th-year option last offseason
The receiver is currently slated to be back after the team picked up that option last summer at a $14.12 million price tag. That was seemingly a testament to his production with the Niners and their desire to keep him in the boat both next year and beyond.
That agreement did, however, come after the wideout was the center of trade talks.
The decision to pick up that option ended trade speculation at the time, but now it’s ramped back up! It could be an interesting offseason for both sides, but not an unfamiliar one for San Francisco.
There was a time not so long ago where they successfully navigated treacherous waters surrounding Deebo Samuel’s unhappiness with the team. In that case, the 49ers were able to convince him to stay.
Can they do the same with Aiyuk? It might involve renegotiating that contract with an offseason extension.
Brandon Aiyuk has thrived in Kyle Shanahan’s offense over the last two seasons, combining for 153 catches and 2,357 yards. San Francisco likely doesn’t want to give that production up after finally reaping the benefits of the 2020 NFL Draft selection.
And while he might be unhappy with a dip in usage at the Super Bowl, it might also behoove Aiyuk to stick around with a loaded offensive group as opposed to bolting for a non-contender.
We’ll soon see how it unfolds, but at the moment, the relationship seems rocky.