NFL insider questions if Brandon Aiyuk will step on field without new contract

Brandon Aiyuk caused another stir amid his contract negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers. So much so, NFL insider Ian Rapoport questioned if the wide receiver will even step on the field until he gets a new deal.

Recently, Aiyuk stoked the Jayden Daniels and playing for the Commanders fire. He posted a screenshot of him watching Commanders’ practice film on TikTok, whatever that means.

Rapoport quickly debunked that situation, but did wonder if Aiyuk will continue to hold out.

“First of all, it’s not like Brandon Aiyuk is getting practice film of the Commanders,” Rapoport said. “First of all you can’t do that, second, it’s not happening. It sounds more likely here (he was) FaceTiming with Jayden Daniels, practice film came, took a little screenshot, boom posted it and there’s your storyline. 

“Look Brandon Aiyuk was an awesome player, has done a great job of getting everybody talking during the very slow time, getting everyone to know whether or not it’s you know, do the 49ers really want him back, what his feelings, whether or not he believes the Commanders would be a team potentially trying to get to come and get him now that they have his good friend a starting quarterback.” 

Rapoport said Aiyuk’s lack of a deal during an NFL dead period certainly brings it to the forefront. That’s when you consider the other deals done with other big name wideouts.

“All of these things are kind of happening in the dead time and up so we’re talking about a lot,” Rapoport said. “What is facts though, is that Brandon Aiyuk for sure deserves a huge contract extension, does not have one yet. And it really makes you wonder as well. Is he going to step on the field without a new deal? This market has defined itself very well. The fact that he does not have a deal is done, the clock is ticking on him as well. Another intriguing receiver awaiting a payday.”

As a former first-round pick, Aiyuk had a fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which the 49ers opted to exercise instead of working out a long-term deal last year. Now, he’s slated to play for $14.124 million this season, well below market value.

Over the course of four years, Aiyuk has 269 catches, 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14.6 yards per catch. He set a career-high 1,342 yards last season, helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.The Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers are seemingly trade options, at least in Aiyuk’s mind. For now, everyone is still in limbo.

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