Aiyuk blames ex-agent for 49ers feud in YouTube video
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Brandon Aiyuk posted a 3½-minute YouTube video on Saturday blaming former agent Ryan Williams, who he says fired in November, for his rift with the San Francisco 49ers
- Aiyuk declared he will never step in the 49ers facility again except for the Oct. 19 Monday Night Football game against the Washington Commanders, and held up a Commanders-logo football during the video
- Aiyuk said on Instagram Wednesday he would sign with the Commanders 'tomorrow' to play with former Arizona State teammate and quarterback Jayden Daniels if the 49ers release him
- Aiyuk claimed GM John Lynch recently showed up at his house to apologize for coach Kyle Shanahan's actions, though he offered no evidence and said the situation wasn't safe for him or his wife
- The 49ers voided the remaining guaranteed money in Aiyuk's four-year, $120 million extension last July after he skipped rehab for a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee
- The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left team list in December after he stopped showing up at team facilities; veterans are scheduled to report to training camp July 25
Why it matters: The 49ers are holding a $120 million contract on a player who refuses to play for them and whose only stated return date is one game in October, leaving the franchise with no leverage to trade him without his cooperation. With veterans reporting July 25 and Aiyuk publicly courting the Commanders while still listed under agent Ryan Williams on the NFLPA directory, the standoff threatens to drag into training camp unresolved.
