Just In: Massive Crisis As 49ers’ High-Star 26-years-Old Fuels Contract Dispute Talk With Former ASU Teammate

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN 

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has possibly made his contract discussions known to the public by sharing a chat with his former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels on TikTok on Monday.

Aiyuk was heard saying in a FaceTime call with the Washington Commanders quarterback, who was the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, “They said they don’t want me back… I swear.”

The details of the conversation are not clear, but it seems to point towards a standoff regarding a contract between the receiver and the 49ers.

Aiyuk added the caption “Im laughing but im crying fr” to his TikTok post.

Aiyuk is scheduled to play under the fifth-year option valued at approximately $14.1millionfortheupcomingseasonandisseekingalucrativelong-termdealthatreflectshisimpressiveperformancethroughouthiscareer.Manytopreceiversareearningaround$25 million per year.

Amid the contract dispute, the receiver has skipped offseason camps and unfollowed the 49ers’ social media accounts.

A key contributor to San Francisco’s offense last season, Aiyuk built a strong rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy. He achieved 75 receptions, a career-best 1,375 yards, and seven touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.

Since being drafted 25th overall in 2020, Aiyuk has amassed 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns over four seasons, with his performance notably improving under Purdy.

Similar to the situation with pass rusher Nick Bosa last year, Aiyuk finds himself in the same position, seeking a new contract following a prolonged holdout that ended shortly before the start of the regular season.

Despite the 49ers recently reaching an agreement with star running back Christian McCaffrey on a long-term deal, a resolution has not been reached with Aiyuk.

Aiyuk and Jayden Daniels played together at Arizona State in 2019, as Aiyuk’s second and final season overlapped with Daniels’ freshman year. During this time, Daniels excelled as a true freshman starter, while Aiyuk served as his top target before entering the NFL draft.

Following Aiyuk’s departure, Daniels remained at Arizona State for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but faced challenges due to a decline in roster talent, resulting in lower passing statistics and an even touchdown-to-turnover ratio. Subsequently, Daniels transferred to LSU, where he achieved success and won the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

The information was sourced from The Associated Press.