NFL Insider Disputes 49ers Brandon Aiyuk Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
A year ago entering training camp the entire narrative surrounding the San Francisco 49ers centered on Brandon Aiyuk. Under very different circumstances, it still does.
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In the summer of 2024 the receiver was disgruntled about his contract, and the Niners finally gave him permission to seek a trade. The rumors and predictions went wild, until San Francisco kept him with a new four-year, $120 million contract extension.
The harmony barely lasted, as in Week 7 Aiyuk suffered a major injury including a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus. He finished only 25 receptions for 374 yards, and after the injury his start to this season remains in limbo.
Seemingly the Niners are committed to Aiyuk, especially after trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. The 2020 first-round pick took to social media to laugh at the concept of his name in trade rumors while detailing that he was “off perocets/muscle relaxers and peeing in a cup.”
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo is downplaying any issues going on between San Francisco and Aiyuk.
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“Now, I know folks are reading into Brandon Aiyuk’s comments as he makes his way back from an ACL injury,” Garafolo said. “My understanding is Brandon Aiyuk is in a really good space with the team.“
If Aiyuk isn’t ready for Week 1, quarterback Brock Purdy will be forced to throw to a combination of Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Watkins. And, of course, George Kittle.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.