Concern continues to grow around San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose tumultuous offseason has become one of the NFL's biggest storylines. In recent weeks, Aiyuk has used social media to lash out at the 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

That last criticism may have been particularly damaging to Aiyuk, who has remained hopeful that he can eventually land with Washington once his time with the 49ers officially ends.


Much of Aiyuk's current situation stems from the events that followed his four-year, $120 million contract extension with San Francisco in 2024. Shortly after signing the deal, the star receiver suffered ACL and MCL injuries.

The relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers deteriorated during his rehabilitation. The team ultimately voided his guaranteed money after he reportedly failed to fulfill his contractual rehabilitation obligations.

Aiyuk later cut off communication with the organization altogether, prompting the 49ers to place him on the reserve/left squad list.

Among those expressing concern is 49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, who was asked about Aiyuk while participating in the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.

"I worry for him," Young told the New York Post with a concerned tone. "I feel like I want to reach out and help. This is beyond football, it feels like."


In recent weeks, Aiyuk has repeatedly blamed others for his predicament. However, the path forward appears straightforward. He remains on the reserve/left squad list and must file for reinstatement before he can move on with his career—a step he has publicly refused to take.

"I will not be reinstating with them nor ever doing any kind of business with them," Aiyuk wrote on Instagram. "I'm locked in and focused on my opportunity to return to the field this season!"

That opportunity may never come unless Aiyuk takes the necessary steps to resolve his status. Until then, he remains under contract with the 49ers, does not count toward the roster limit, and reportedly will not receive pay.

In January, Kyle Shanahan admitted he had never seen anything like it in his 22 years of coaching.

"There's not much of an explanation because it's really hard for us, and anyone else, to understand," Shanahan said.


On Thursday, Young added, "It just feels like we need to not make it about football right now. So, yeah."

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