San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently appeared on the Pardon My Take podcast, and it didn't take long for the conversation to turn to soon-to-be former teammate Brandon Aiyuk.
The situation surrounding Aiyuk has been one of the NFL's strangest storylines. The 49ers signed the wide receiver to a four-year, $120 million contract extension before the 2024 season—a move the organization undoubtedly regrets.
Aiyuk appeared in just seven games that year before suffering season-ending ACL and MCL injuries. However, the injury itself wasn't the source of the 49ers' frustration. Instead, concerns grew during his recovery process as the team hoped he could return during the 2025 season.
That return never happened. Reports indicated the 49ers struggled to monitor Aiyuk's rehabilitation progress, ultimately leading the team to void portions of his guaranteed money.
Aiyuk cut off communication with the 49ers, further escalating tensions and resulting in the receiver being placed on the rarely used reserve/left squad list.
The 49ers are expected to release Aiyuk, ending the complicated saga. When that happens, the Washington Commanders are widely viewed as a potential landing spot, with some believing the team could sign the receiver to a prove-it deal.
So what would Washington be getting in Aiyuk at this stage of his career?
"The last time I saw Aiyuk was, call it Week 6, 7, or 8. I don't really know," Kittle said. "I used to make it a habit of mine to go out early in the morning before meetings to watch him train because he'd always be out there early, and I watched him run over 22 miles an hour and stop on a dime. So, he's still got it, or at least that was a year—or eight months—ago, so I don't really know."
Kittle added, "But you guys have fun with that, I guess ... You have fun with all that comes with it."
Aiyuk has repeatedly criticized the 49ers on social media, making it clear he is ready to move on and begin the next chapter of his NFL career elsewhere.
When the podcast hosts suggested Aiyuk might finally find happiness with the Commanders, Kittle delivered a sarcastic response that spoke volumes.
"You're right. I wouldn't be happy either after a team paid me a $130 million," Kittle said.
Aiyuk's ongoing social media activity and public criticism of the organization have clearly shaped perceptions around the league. While Kittle likely wishes his former teammate success moving forward, his comments suggest he—like many 49ers fans—is ready for the long-running drama to finally reach its conclusion.
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