Brandon Aiyuk has been making a lot of noise this offseason. And not the kind that usually helps get a contract done.
The 49ers wide receiver, coming off an All-Pro season, is in the final year of his rookie deal on a fifth-year option. He wants a long-term extension. San Francisco has a history of paying their homegrown stars but typically waits until right before training camp to finalize those mega-deals. Aiyuk, understandably frustrated, has decided to air his grievances in a very public way.
That includes a FaceTime video with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels where Aiyuk said the 49ers “said they don’t want me back.” He’s also posted multiple messages on social media hinting at a strong desire to join Washington. Trade speculation is everywhere. But one former Patriots defensive back thinks Aiyuk needs to take a different approach.
McCourty’s advice is simple
Jason McCourty, now an NFL analyst, didn’t mince words when asked about Aiyuk’s digital footprint.
“If I was his friend, I would just say, ‘just put the phone down,’” McCourty said on ESPN.
It’s blunt. But it’s also the kind of advice a lot of veterans are probably thinking. Taking a contract dispute to social media rarely speeds up a payday. More often than not, it creates tension with the front office and becomes a distraction for everyone involved.
The 49ers have been here before with stars like George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa. Each of those deals got done eventually. But none of those players spent the offseason publicly flirting with another team.
Why this matters for the 49ers
San Francisco holds most of the leverage here. Aiyuk is under contract for 2024. The franchise tag is still a possibility next year. If he sits out or holds in at training camp, the team has dealt with that before too. They’re not going to panic.
But Aiyuk’s frustration is real. He put up career numbers in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and watched his peers around the league get paid. Deebo Samuel got his bag. Now Aiyuk wants his. And when he hears Washington might be interested and sees his college teammate Daniels already there, it’s easy to see why he’s tempted.
The problem is the public nature of it all. Posting about wanting to leave while you’re still under contract doesn’t usually lead to a better deal. It might actually make the 49ers dig in harder.
McCourty’s advice is probably the smartest move Aiyuk could make right now. Put the phone down. Let the agents do the talking. Show up to camp and play the way he did last season. That’s how you get a contract in San Francisco. The fan rants and social media campaigns? Those just make the headlines messier without getting anyone closer to a signature.
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