For over a year, Brandon Aiyuk has resembled a volcano in San Francisco, poised to erupt at any given moment. Aiyuk’s relationship with the team has been tumultuous at best, stemming from a contract dispute that extended throughout the majority of the 2024 offseason, followed by a frustrating season plagued by injuries. The wide receiver has cost the 49ers $120 million over a four-year period, yet he only recorded 25 receptions for 374 yards and failed to score any touchdowns. Ultimately, he sustained injuries to his ACL and MCL during Week 7.
However, even prior to the injury, he had already garnered significant media attention. He chose to unfollow the team on social media, made vague posts indicating that he felt unwelcome, and delayed a potential trade to New England, Pittsburgh, or Cleveland. And what about now? Just as the 49ers’ front office was striving to move beyond the chaos and begin anew, Aiyuk reopened the wound with a single Instagram story.
NFL reporter Chase Senior recognized the parallels in Aiyuk’s post and shared it on X. “49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk shared this image on his Instagram story. For those unfamiliar with this narrative: In August 2005, as Terrell Owens sought a new contract, Andy Reid suspended him following a dispute at Eagles training camp. On that same day, TO began working out on his driveway in New Jersey and started responding to questions, shirtless, while performing sit-ups.” Aiyuk’s Instagram story was more than just a nostalgic reference. The implication was clear: ‘Do you remember what transpired with Terrell Owens? It could very well happen again.
The visual is not innocent. TO faced suspension during the meltdown of 2005. He publicly mocked Donovan McNabb. There was a confrontation with Hugh Douglas in the locker room. Additionally, he engaged in a verbal conflict with the Eagles’ management staff. This is precisely what Chase is highlighting, and it is entirely logical. TO participated in only 7 games that season, was suspended by the Eagles, released by the team in March, and subsequently signed with the Cowboys. No matter how one interprets the situation, Aiyuk is igniting controversy and creating drama with this post.
Andy Reid had justified this decision by claiming, A large number of situations that accumulated over a long period of time, during which Terrell had been warned repeatedly about the consequences of his actions. The rivalry was so explosive that even McNabb, who is usually quiet, openly stated, Obviously it is tough losing a guy of his caliber, his ability, but I think we might be better off. To be honest, every level of the organization is affected when your quarterback and wide receiver stop communicating. And now, over two decades later, Brandon Aiyuk is bringing that same incident back into the spotlight. As he finds himself in a stalemate with a team led by Kyle Shanahan, another tough guy who shares Reid’s style.
The cost of indecision: How the 49ers let a contract spiral into chaos
Aiyuk’s post wasn’t made in a vacuum; Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk helped to spark the ongoing trade rumors. On 93.7 The Fan, Florio made it crystal clear: The 49ers would love to unload Brandon Aiyuk’s contract on the Steelers. Given the circumstances, the sentiment is not surprising. The 49ers tried to shop Aiyuk last offseason.
Prior to ultimately re-signing, he engaged in brief flirtations with the Patriots, Browns, and Steelers. He even made a comment on a JPA Football post regarding a report of his trade. But I thought the Niners were never trying to trade me? However, the 49ers reportedly grew impatient with his indecisiveness and antics, which included those infamous social media hints. Consequently, they hurried to finalize contracts with Fred Warner, Brock Purdy, and George Kittle before the locker room was thrown into disarray by yet another summer drama.
Given Aiyuk’s $22.85 million roster bonus, executing a trade would be financially difficult but not unfeasible. Even with DK Metcalf, the wide receiver corps in Pittsburgh remains lacking. The Steelers may reach out again if San Francisco reduces the asking price from the previous year. Furthermore, Aiyuk’s latest post could serve as a final warning to teams: acquiring him might entail more than just yards and touchdowns. It could come with complications. If the situation persists in this manner, Brandon Aiyuk may find himself training alone much more frequently, reminiscent of Terrell Owens.
