They Mad Cause They Stupid: Brandon Aiyuk Fires Back at 49ers Over Contract Dispute
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 runs to the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on October 6, 2024 at Levi s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 06 Cardinals at 49ers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241006152
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 runs to the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on October 6, 2024 at Levi s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 06 Cardinals at 49ers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241006152
Brandon Aiyuk's journey with San Francisco appeared set for the long haul with a $120 million extension. However, a knee injury suffered in 2024 derailed plans, sidelining the star receiver from both on-field action. Fast forward to now, and Aiyuk certainly isn't happy.
Post injury, the 49ers moved to void portions of Aiyuk's guarantees, arguing that he failed to meet rehabilitation and team participation requirements. The dispute quickly strained the relationship, with Aiyuk later taking to social media to publicly express his frustration.
"They mad cause they stupid. They dumb. They mad that they paid me $50 million in eight months and then voided my guarantees for 2027," said Aiyuk on Instagram, "And I'm about to be on a new team in 2027. They mad at themselves for real. They just acting like they mad at me, but they stupid a** mad at themselves."
October 6, 2024, Santa Clara, California, USA: NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: 49ers vs Jets: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 during pregame warmup at Levi s Stadium. His first game since signing his new contract o a four-year, million contract extension in August 2024, with million guaranteed. However, the 49ers recently voided the guaranteed money for the 2026 season due to Aiyuk not meeting contract requirements, an unusual situation that may lead to his departure from the team. Santa Clara USA - ZUMAk13_ 20241006_zap_k13_048 Copyright: xPaulxKurodax
October 6, 2024, Santa Clara, California, USA: NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: 49ers vs Jets: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk 11 during pregame warmup at Levi s Stadium. His first game since signing his new contract o a four-year, million contract extension in August 2024, with million guaranteed. However, the 49ers recently voided the guaranteed money for the 2026 season due to Aiyuk not meeting contract requirements, an unusual situation that may lead to his departure from the team. Santa Clara USA - ZUMAk13_ 20241006_zap_k13_048 Copyright: xPaulxKurodax
Aiyuk blames San Francisco for mismanaging the situation. Since he tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus back in 2024, his future guarantees were voided. He is still under contract but without guaranteed salary protection.
He has also expressed his desire to switch teams to the Washington Commanders. The same team where his former Arizona State QB Jayden Daniels plays, even posting photos in a Commanders hat.
Yet despite the growing belief that Aiyuk's time in San Francisco is over, the situation remains stuck in limbo. Washington has reportedly been hesitant to part with draft capital for the receiver, while the 49ers have shown little interest in releasing him.
Consequently, he is not happy and is venting out, but a former NFL legend feels it will do more harm than good.
Football HOFer Calls Out Brandon Aiyuk Over His 49ers Rant
As things begin to intensify between Brandon Aiyuk and San Francisco, former footballer Shannon Sharpe steps in with his theory.
The legendary tight end shared his views on the Nightcap podcast with Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson and Joe Johnson.
"I love how he say they dumb, but you was all in your feelings when they hadn’t signed you when you had the franchise tag," said Sharpe, "Yeah. But now they give you the money. Now they dumb...We know you can play, boy, but talent has never been enough to override a reputation for being difficult."
Sharpe understands how things work. Aiyuk had over 1,300 yards back in 2023. He was one of the top NFL route runners. Yet a public spat with an organization would invariably close doors on him.
Going further, Sharpe even said that when the 49ers were offering him the franchise tag, he wasn't happy.
Under the current scenario, Aiyuk finds himself replaceable despite his skill. Sharpe believes Aiyuk will have to change how he expresses his feelings if he still wants to have a future in the NFL as a receiver.
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Written by
Sourav Ganguly
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote