If Brandon Aiyuk had not already done enough damage to his image with what has become increasingly self-destructive behavior toward the San Francisco 49ers, he now appears determined to make other teams think twice before considering signing him.
For much of the offseason, Aiyuk has expressed a desire to play for the Washington Commanders if the 49ers release or trade him. However, he is now embroiled in a public fallout with Jayden Daniels, and one NFL analyst believes his future in the league is looking increasingly bleak.
49ers Insider David Lombardi Rips Brandon Aiyuk for ‘Self-Destructive’ Behavior
Over the past month, the split between Aiyuk and the 49ers has played out in public. He remains on the reserve/left squad list, where he was placed near the end of the 2025 season, and while a change of scenery would benefit both parties, it appears to be out of sight.
The Commanders seemed like the obvious landing spot, as the former All-Pro wide receiver repeatedly expressed his affinity for the franchise on social media. However, that possibility may have disappeared this past week.
Aiyuk publicly called out Daniels, refusing to fall in line with the quarterback’s stance and saying the Commanders signal-caller needed to “start running behind yo mama.” The comments did not sit well with Daniels, who responded on social media by posting a meme of NBA legend Kevin Durant giving a thumbs-down.
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Aiyuk and Daniels were teammates at Arizona State before beginning their NFL careers, but they have now unfollowed each other on social media. The exchange began after a fan shouted, “[Expletive] Brandon Aiyuk” at Daniels, who laughed. Aiyuk later made it clear that he did not appreciate Daniels’ reaction.
Regardless, 49ers insider David Lombardi believes Aiyuk has likely eliminated Washington as a potential destination, describing his actions as self-destructive, whether or not he was trolling Daniels.
“If Aiyuk wasn’t trolling, this just took an even darker turn — burning another bridge,” he wrote on X. “If Aiyuk was trolling, he could’ve only worsened his career prospects — no employer is impressed while he has a reputation to mend. Either way, it’s a continuation of self-destructive behavior.”
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Just before the 2024 season, Aiyuk successfully forced the 49ers’ hand, signing a four-year, $120 million extension that included $76 million in guaranteed money and a $23 million signing bonus.
The investment, however, quickly turned disastrous. Aiyuk suffered tears to his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7 of the 2024 season, derailing a career that had produced 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 27 total touchdowns in 69 games.
According to team insiders, the relationship permanently fractured during his rehabilitation. NFL rules require injured players to remain in regular communication with team medical staff. Aiyuk reportedly failed to meet those obligations, went AWOL from the 49ers’ facilities, and missed subsequent rehabilitation sessions.
As a result of the alleged contract default, San Francisco exercised its right to void Aiyuk’s remaining guaranteed money and placed him on the reserve/left squad list. Since then, the 28-year-old has remained at odds with the organization, even publicly mocking the franchise over the money it invested in him.
Aiyuk’s behavior has only become more erratic over the past month as he continues to push for a move away from San Francisco, with little interest from other teams. He has also criticized the NFLPA despite declining to challenge the voiding of his guarantees, and with a move to Washington now off the table, some even fear his NFL career might be over.