The dispute between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers took a new turn after the wide receiver once again took to social media to reveal his side of the story in the conflict.
On Friday, Aiyuk posted an Instagram story, potentially revealing what happened behind the scenes after the 49ers voided his 2026 guaranteed money from the four-year, $120 million contract signed in August 2024, averaging $30 million per season.
“They was like ‘BA we’re taking 30 mil out of your contract…,'” Aiyuk wrote.
The wide receiver alleged that the NFLPA even asked him to appeal the decision to get that money back, but he declined because he planned to “go to DC” and join the Washington Commanders. According to Aiyuk, this is when he was allegedly told:
“We’re gonna start a smear campaign to try and tarnish your NIL.”
The Instagram Story did not identify who specifically made those statements, and Aiyuk did not provide evidence supporting the allegation. The 49ers have not publicly responded to his latest claims.
Inside the Contract Dispute Between 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk
Right after signing a four-year extension in the offseason, Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL during the 2024 season and spent 2025 rehabbing. The 49ers alleged that the wide receiver did not respond to their recovery process and did not meet the participation requirements in the contract.
As a result, San Francisco removed roughly $27 million in guaranteed salary for 2026. The relationship between both of them deteriorated afterward.
Aiyuk publicly criticized the 49ers on social media this year and repeatedly mentioned he no longer wants to play for the organization. He even called the team stupid for handing him such a lucrative contract in the first place.
In the meantime, he has also expressed his wish to continue his NFL career with former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels, who is now the signal-caller of the Commanders. This is despite the Commanders giving him no sign whatsoever about their interest in trading for him since the wide receiver is still under contract with the 49ers.
Earlier this month, the receiver accused the players’ union of “lying/withholding information” from him while also publicly criticizing former agent Ryan Williams, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Such is the state now that even if the 49ers want to trade him, many believe his contract complications, injury history, and public dispute with the 49ers have made him an untradeable asset for the time being.
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