San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sparked speculation about his future with the team after a viral TikTok video surfaced, in which he claimed the organization "doesn't want me back."
A cryptic TikTok video has ignited uncertainty about Brandon Aiyuk's future with the San Francisco 49ers. In the video, Aiyuk is seen FaceTiming with Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels, who played with Aiyuk at Arizona State before transferring to LSU.
"They said they don't want me back," Aiyuk tells Daniels.
Brandon Aiyuk's Cryptic TikTok Raises Concerns about 49ers Future
Daniels responds, "That's it?"
"I swear," Aiyuk quickly says.
Brandon Aiyuk's Cryptic TikTok Raises Concerns about 49ers Future
While Aiyuk's comments could refer to the 49ers not wanting him back after his franchise tag year is over in 2024, the video has raised concerns about the team's commitment to the wide receiver.
Aiyuk's contract situation has been a source of tension throughout the offseason. ESPN reported that contract talks between Aiyuk's camp and the 49ers have "stalled a bit." The team has expressed a desire to keep Aiyuk on the roster but has yet to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.
Tight end George Kittle, Aiyuk's 49ers teammate, believes the team should make Aiyuk a priority. "I don't know how we don't keep Brandon," Kittle told Fox News Digital.
Aiyuk is coming off a career year in San Francisco, catching 75 balls for 1,342 yards with seven touchdowns over 16 games. Many believe he is one of the top receivers in the league, and his teammates have expressed similar sentiments.
Deebo Samuel, who signed an extension with the 49ers in 2022 after requesting a trade, understands the importance of getting paid what he deserves.
"At the end of the day, you want to get what you deserve, and you hope it happens," Samuel said.
Aiyuk is set to make $14.124 million this season on the franchise tag. If he does not sign a contract extension, he could face fines for missing the mandatory minicamp and voluntary workouts.
The 49ers have a history of waiting until late in the offseason to sign players to extensions. Kittle didn't sign his contract extension until two-and-a-half weeks into training camp in 2022.
However, Aiyuk's TikTok video suggests that he is becoming increasingly frustrated with the team's handling of his contract situation. If the 49ers fail to reach an agreement with Aiyuk, they could face the prospect of losing a key player in the near future.
