Brandon Aiyuk has targeted just about everyone on social media this offseason—the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Now, one former 49ers standout believes Aiyuk may have burned one too many bridges, suggesting the wide receiver's bizarre offseason saga could mark the end of his NFL career.


Aiyuk hasn't played since suffering ACL and MCL injuries during the 2024 season, shortly after signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers. His relationship with the team deteriorated during his rehabilitation after San Francisco voided his guaranteed money, reportedly due to his alleged failure to meet contractual rehab obligations.

The situation escalated when Aiyuk cut off communication with the 49ers, prompting the team to place him on the reserve/left squad list, where he remains.

Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner didn't hold back while discussing Aiyuk's situation during a recent episode of his podcast, The Grit Code.

"What I'm going to say is Brandon Aiyuk sealed his fate," Whitner said, via Nilaav Ranjan Gogoi of Essentially Sports. "Brandon Aiyuk will never play another down in the NFL. Yeah, you went at the 49ers front office and their coaching staff. You were very disgruntled, but the only chance you had was Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. That was the only person you had to go to battle for you…

"And for Brandon Aiyuk to not understand that and go on social media and attack Jayden Daniels and his mom, you sealed your fate… So sometimes burning bridges is okay. Not in this instance. So I think that's rest in peace for Brandon Aiyuk's career."


Aiyuk's latest feud began after a 49ers fan yelled, "F--k Brandon Aiyuk!" at Daniels. The Commanders quarterback responded with a smile and a laugh, and Aiyuk apparently took offense at his friend not defending him.

While Whitner believes Aiyuk's NFL career is over, it's still possible another team could take a chance on the receiver after the 49ers eventually release him, likely on a low-risk, one-year veteran-minimum contract.

However, that scenario can't happen until Aiyuk files for reinstatement, reportedly a necessary step before San Francisco can release him. The receiver has insisted he has no intention of doing so.

"I will not be reinstating with them nor ever doing any kind of business with them," Aiyuk wrote on Instagram.

For now, Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers on the reserve/left squad list. He is not taking up a roster spot or being paid, so there is no urgency for the team to act immediately.


Whitner's comments echo the growing sentiment that Aiyuk's public disputes and social media outbursts may have significantly damaged any hopes of returning to the NFL.

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