Social media is abuzz with speculation that something newsworthy is about to happen involving Brandon Aiyuk after the 49ers wideout—clearly in an upbeat mood—streamed a short video of himself on Instagram this morning driving up to what appears to be the players' parking lot at Levi's Stadium.
Longtime Niners follower Coach Yac shared the video on X (formerly Twitter).
Forty-Niners' fans immediately took to Twitter, most expressing cautious optimism that San Francisco's announcement of an Aiyuk contract extension was imminent. Indeed, the wide receiver's ebullient demeanor did not indicate someone seeking a trade.
However, Niner fans are obsessing over the fact that Aiyuk was wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball cap. Is there a deeper meaning to his choice in headwear, or is he simply giving 49er fans a head fake?
Aiyuk requested and received a face-to-face meeting with 49er management earlier this week. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the meeting was cordial and constructive, and Aiyuk did not seek a trade.
Aiyuk is contractually committed to the 49ers through the 2024 season after San Francisco exercised his fifth-year team option, guaranteeing a $14.1 million salary for the upcoming season. Without the 49ers' approval, other teams are not permitted to talk with Aiyuk. However, throughout the off-season, the Steelers have repeatedly been mentioned as a potential trade partner for Aiyuk's services.
Twitter seemed baffled by the tip-of-the-hat reference to Pittsburgh. Speculation among 49ers fans runs the gamut.
J@jrpatriot775 tweeted, "Dream on Squeelers fans. Brandon aint leaving the Bay."
Paul Nickel @bigpaulski5 offered a more satirical take, "That is @coach Tomlin wearing a wig." Admittedly, minus the hair, Aiyuk's looks are strikingly like the Steelers' coach.
A more moderated Jim Devlin tweeted, "Sorry man—that hat doesn't mean anything. It's fashionable to wear the P, nothing more."
Whatever it does or doesn't signify, Aiyuk has our attention. Stay tuned as the drama continues.