Remember when WR Brandon Aiyuk said the San Francisco 49ers told him they didn't want him? Well, he's not backing down from that statement. Although he did provide a take that's a little different from what he originally told his friend, QB Jayden Daniels.
Appearing on "The Pivot" podcast, ESPN's Ryan Clark asked Aiyuk about that statement. Clark asked, "You said they told you what they told you. There's no way the Niners said, 'Brandon Aiyuk, first-round pick, All-Pro wide receiver, we don't want you back.' What was it exactly that they told you that prompted that conversation with 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."
#49ers Brandon Aiyuk opened up about his contract negotiations during his time with The Pivot Podcast 👀
🎥: @thepivot pic.twitter.com/QdcSoP6KaN
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) June 28, 2024
It's not quite the same as the team telling Aiyuk they no longer wanted him, but it's notable that whatever was said, the star wide receiver believes he may not be wanted by the 49ers anymore. Of course, for those not emotionally involved in the process, it's hard to fathom the 49ers not wanting Aiyuk back. And many have said as much. Still, Aiyuk feels how he feels.
Aiyuk admitted that there have been times they were close to a deal, and other times that they were far apart. After Monday's meeting with GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, which reportedly went well, there's been no indication about whether or not they're any closer. But the meeting was seen as a positive step.
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.
Stay tuned!