San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has not done himself any favors by cutting off communication with the organization and reportedly making it difficult for other teams to contact him. The 49ers would like to trade the disgruntled receiver, but the lack of communication has complicated the situation.
Recently, a rumor surfaced claiming that Aiyuk's agent, Ryan Williams, had dropped the wideout following his questionable handling of the situation. However, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show alongside Tom Pelissero, fellow NFL insider Mike Garafolo quickly shut down that speculation.
RELATED NFL insider offers blunt advice to Brandon Aiyuk
"He has not dropped him," Garafolo declared. "He still represents him. He did not abandon him. He was part of the group of people trying to tell him what was going to happen in San Francisco if he didn't show up. He did not heed that advice."
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 NFL season, but struggled to produce at his usual level before suffering ACL and MCL injuries after just seven games.
The receiver appeared on track to return at some point during the 2025 season. However, Aiyuk cut off communication with the 49ers during the latter stages of his rehab process. San Francisco eventually placed the receiver on the reserve/left squad list, officially ending any possibility of a late-season comeback.
Despite the rumors, Williams remains Aiyuk's official representative.
"Whatever information led to that report of Aiyuk's agent dropping him is not accurate," Garafolo added. "He is still his agent of record, and still sounds like would be willing to facilitate something if Aiyuk would just tell him what he wants to do right now."
The Washington Commanders have frequently been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Aiyuk. However, because San Francisco would need to release the receiver before September 1 to avoid paying his option bonus, Washington likely prefers to wait rather than trade for him and absorb his current contract.
Additionally, teams have reportedly been unable to gauge Aiyuk's willingness to restructure his deal, further complicating any potential trade discussions.
Comments