Recall when San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk claimed they informed him they didn’t want him? He’s not going to take back his statement, though. Despite this, he did offer an interpretation that differs slightly from what he first shared with his friend, quarterback Jayden Daniels. When Aiyuk was a guest on ESPN’s “The Pivot” podcast, Ryan Clark of ESPN questioned him about the claim. “You said they told you what they told you,” Clark inquired. No way the Niners could have said, “We want you back, Brandon Aiyuk, first-round pick, All-Pro wide receiver.” What specifically did they tell you that made you want to talk to J.D. [Daniels]?”
“They told me that they didn’t think that we were on the same page and that they didn’t believe that we were going to,” Aiyuk said. “And that was about it at that time. But it’s part of it. It’s part of the contract negotiations, trying to sway stuff in either direction. So whether that’s 100% true or not, I guess that’s still to find out.”
While it’s not quite the same as the team telling Aiyuk they didn’t want him anymore, it’s noteworthy that the top wide receiver feels the 49ers might not want him anymore, regardless of what was said. Naturally, it’s difficult for folks who aren’t emotionally invested in the situation to understand why the 49ers wouldn’t want Aiyuk back. And a lot of others have agreed. Aiyuk nevertheless feels what he feels. Aiyuk acknowledged that at times they were far apart and at other times they were on the verge of a settlement. There’s been no word on whether or not they’re closer following their allegedly successful meeting on Monday with General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. Yet, the meeting was regarded as a constructive move.
On Friday, Aiyuk was live on Instagram as he was heading into the Levi’s Stadium gates. There’s been no word regarding why he might be there, but fans are hoping it’s to sign and announce a new contract. In the video, Aiyuk is wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates hat, leading to more speculation from 49ers fans and Steelers fans alike.
