Amazingly, we live in a time where it’s become completely normal for you and your family to bash the team that took you to the Super Bowl mere hours after your season ends (inches from a title no less).
Yet here we are.
Amidst speculation about his future with the San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and those close to him have sparked further rumors with cryptic social media posts criticizing the team and his perceived underutilization in the offense.
The drama was ignited by Aiyuk’s inner circle, including his girlfriend Rochelle and best friend Draysean Hudson, who expressed doubts about his continuation with the 49ers.
In a social media post, Rochelle hinted at the possibility of bidding farewell to The Bay.
“We might not be out here next season,” she said, only hours after losing the Super Bowl.
The immaturity of that family is weird. It’s a business, let it play out. The Deebo tactics was painful and now this.
— Mimmo (@MimmoD7) February 13, 2024
Hudson, echoing similar sentiments, took a more direct approach on Instagram, bluntly stating, “This is the exact reason why we leaving San Francisco,” while questioning Aiyuk’s usage in critical moments in the Super Bowl.
Hilariously, Hudson teased a potential move for Aiyuk, suggesting a trade to the Las Vegas Raiders with the message, “BA to Vegas,” alongside a pirate flag emoji.
So let me get this straight … Not only is Hudson/Aiyuk under the impression that he can choose where he’s traded to, but they actually think he’d have better success with the RAIDERS???
To want to leave the most talented roster in all of football for a team without a quarterback is certainly an interesting approach…
Why do these family members always want their family or friends to go to bad franchises lol
— ndetherock (@EllertNick) February 13, 2024
Unfortunately, this whole “angry family/friends taking to social media” tactic has become more and more common these days.
As much as you’d hope the family/friends would be smart enough to keep their mouths shut, their words and actions aren’t always representative of what the actual player feels.
Case in point being Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, who both had family members complain about their situations in Dallas – only to have Dak and Micah go out of their way to shoot down the complaints.
However, in this case, Aiyuk himself added fuel to the fire by taking his complaints to social media.
“Don’t forget what got you there,” he posted on Instagram, accompanied by a pair of eyes emoji.
Don't forget you were third in targets after Deebo and McCaff during the playoffs, pretty reasonable…
FYI- You're 25yo and still don't know a lot. Listen to your elders around you before making any more posts OR a decision for next season.— Senor Cantante (@Cantante78) February 14, 2024
While Aiyuk had a spectacular regular season (75 receptions, 1,342 yards, 7 touchdowns), he was largely disappointing in the playoffs.
(Having said that, the 49ers might not have beaten the Detroit Lions if not for his miraculous catch in the NFC Championship Game.)
WILD: The Sacramento Kings kept replaying Brandon Aiyuk’s catch from the #49ers NFC Championship Game vs. the #Lions during the Detroit Pistons’ lineup introduction 💀
(h/t @KyleAMadson)pic.twitter.com/7JVx4UPqgN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 8, 2024
He turns 26 next month and is about to enter the prime of his career. No one is doubting his talent or potential.
However, the fact remains that he is still under contract with the Niners after they picked up his fifth-year option, worth $14,124,000.
Does Brandon Aiyuk want out of San Francisco #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/35GP3LjzJo
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 13, 2024
Of course he wants a long-term deal, and rightfully so … But what makes him think that whining on social media is the best way to go about it???
Preach Acho preach. I agree 100% . I watched every single Niners game since Joe Montana won his second Super Bowl. BA is a good player, but he’s no game changer.
1. Jerry Rice
2. TO
3. John Taylor
4. Deebo Samuel
5. Anquan Boldin
6. BA— Enrique Chhun (@EnriqueChhun) February 14, 2024
It’s highly unlikely, but if the 49ers do decide that Aiyuk has become too much of a headache and look to trade him, there are certain to be more than a few teams interested.
Here are five potential landing spots for Aiyuk…
-Kansas City Chiefs
Despite winning back-to-back Super Bowls, the Chiefs still have a need for impactful skill position players. They are expected to have over $20 million in cap space and would love to add prime-Aiyuk to their dynasty.
-Los Angeles Chargers
With new head coach Jim Harbaugh in town, you know he’s going to look make a splash to maximize his more-loaded-than-realized roster. There’s nothing Harbaugh loves more than players with chips on their shoulder, and considering Aiyuk’s (misguided) frustration, he’d be getting one.
-New York Jets
Gang Green has gone ALL IN on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It’s to the point where he’s virtually the general manager of the team (sorry Joe Douglas, but it’s true). Rodgers clearly wants all the receiving help he can get. Aiyuk would fit the bill.
-Cincinnati Bengals
This may seem like an odd one, especially since they already have multiple receivers they need to pay. However, if things go sideways with Tee Higgins, Cincinnati could look to replace him with Aiyuk. Clearly a Super Bowl contender, Aiyuk on the opposite side of Ja’Marr Chase would be almost as dangerous as Higgins.
-Tennessee Titans
With head coach Mike Vrabel gone, it’s a brand-new era in Tennessee, and the Titans will look to turn the page with new quarterback Will Levis. He’s going to need all the help he can get. DeAndre Hopkins is a great start, but Aiyuk would only make things better.
(Honorable mention: Las Vegas Raiders … I don’t see a trade to Vegas happening, especially since Aiyuk’s camp has publicly called for it. However, anything is possible, especially if San Francisco can fleece them in a trade.)
What are your thoughts on the Aiyuk drama?
Does it bother you that this is how modern-day players conduct their business? … Or have you come to accept it?
There’s probably a 97% chance he stays in San Francisco … Having said that, what do you think ends up happening???