San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk made headlines over the weekend with a series of eyebrow-raising moves, including sharing photos of himself wearing a Washington Commanders hat and posting messages that appeared to take aim at his current team. It's clear that Aiyuk is frustrated with his situation and eager to move on from the 49ers.

A release remains a likely outcome, but San Francisco has little incentive to rush the process. The 49ers don't need to take action before September 1, when an option bonus becomes due. Waiting could also limit the time Aiyuk has to acclimate to a new team, potentially reducing any advantage for an NFC opponent.


If the Commanders are among the interested teams, it's worth noting that San Francisco is scheduled to face Washington in Week 6.

During a recent episode of the Nightcap podcast, former NFL wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson weighed in on the situation, suggesting Aiyuk's recent behavior highlights just how badly he wants out of San Francisco.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension before the 2024 season but appeared in only seven games before suffering season-ending ACL and MCL injuries.

The relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers deteriorated during his recovery. The team voided guaranteed money in his contract after he reportedly skipped meetings and declined to participate in certain team activities.

Aiyuk didn't fight the 49ers' decision.


"You gotta understand that he wants out so bad that he was willing to give up that kind of money," Johnson said. "He said, 'I wanna get out of here so bad, I'm going to give you all that back just for my freedom to go elsewhere.'"

Aiyuk eventually cut off communication with the organization, prompting the 49ers to place him on the reserve/left squad list and effectively ending any possibility of a return in 2025.

"I've never seen anything like it before," Johnson added. "A lot of people, obviously, they won't understand the context, unless you've been a part of the business, and understand how the business works.

"He's just doing everything he can to be able to get out of there, which is why he was willing to give that money up so he can go somewhere else. They're gonna make sure they get some value for him, though, I know that."

Johnson believes Aiyuk will eventually get another opportunity elsewhere in the NFL once the 49ers move on, but he doesn't expect the receiver to land another lucrative contract. Aiyuk likely knows that, and still prefers to take his chances rather than play for San Francisco on his current deal.


"He might not get a long-term deal, but I think he's going to get a deal," Johnson said. "It's going to be [one where] you've got to come in here and prove it. You've got to come in here and prove yourself."

H/t to Cabral Opiyo of Pro Football & Sports Network for the find.



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