San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk did what NFL players often do when they’re unhappy with their teams: He unfollowed his team on Instagram.
Aiyuk, who wants a new contract, no longer follows the 49ers’ official account.
Entering the fifth and final season of his rookie contract, Aiyuk has made no secret of the fact that he wants a long-term contract extension that would put him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. A few weeks ago, Aiyuk said he is trying to get what you deserve and questioned whether the 49ers see value in everything he offers.
There have been rumors that Aiyuk could be traded, although 49ers general manager John Lynch responded to questions about these rumors by saying he wants keep Aiyuk around for a long time.
Asked specifically about rumors that Aiyuk could be traded to Pittsburgh, Lynch responded: “I promise you, nothing is happening there.”
If he plays out the final year of his rookie contract, Aiyuk will make $14.1 million this year and then be franchise tagged or become a free agent in March 2025. Aiyuk would rather get a big deal now with the 49ers – or with some other team that is willing to trade for him and pay him.