San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is clearly fed up with the ongoing trade speculation. Despite working through a grueling recovery, the standout receiver recently addressed the chatter head-on, taking to YouTube with a blunt message that dismissed the idea of a trade as completely unrealistic.
"They was talking bout trading me while I was off percocets /muscle relaxers and peeing in a cup by my bed!" Aiyuk wrote. "Couldn't walk for 10 weeks ain't nobody trading for me."
Aiyuk suffered ACL and MCL injuries in October, and isn't even expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. Naturally, questions have emerged regarding his potential impact this year as he continues his recovery.
In Aiyuk's absence, the 49ers are turning to veterans Jauan Jennings and second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall to lead the receiving corps. The team opens its 2025 campaign on the road against the division rival Seattle Seahawks.
Despite the setback, the 49ers remain optimistic about Aiyuk's rehabilitation. General manager John Lynch recently praised the 27-year-old's work ethic and progress during recovery.
"Brandon's doing a tremendous job coming back," Lynch said earlier this month. "These guys that are incredibly skilled athletes, they tend to heal a lot faster. It's kind of incredible how well he's healing, and he's putting in the work. We're proud of Brandon, and we're looking forward to him being part of this team moving forward."
In the meantime, Lynch expressed full confidence in both Jennings and Pearsall stepping up—just as they did last season.
"Jauan had a tremendous season last year," Lynch said. "He's been a tremendous competitor, player for us since he's been here. I think the fans, the team feed off Jauan's energy. He plays football the right way. I love his style.
"Ricky is a really ascending player we're excited about. Just scratched the surface of who he could be. And Ricky's going to play well for us this year. I'm confident in that. He's going to seize that opportunity that he has."
H/t to Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated for the find.
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