‘It’s Not an Unfair Contract’ — Former NFL Head Coach Gets Brutally Honest on Brandon Aiyuk and 49ers Feud
Things continue to churn for the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The bizarre social media posts kept on coming, all with an explicit desire to make a move to the Washington Commanders. But former Washington head coach Jay Gruden offered a brutally honest evaluation of the situation.
What Did Jay Gruden Say About Brandon Aiyuk?
During an appearance on “106.7 The Fan,” when asked about whether Aiyuk was actually the “victim” and the 49ers could be the bad guys, Gruden flatly dismissed that notion.
“I don’t think so. No, I don’t. All you ask them to do is rehab at your facility or keep in close contact with your trainer while you’re hurt,” Gruden said. “That didn’t happen. To report to training camp, that didn’t happen.”
Just before the 2024 season, Aiyuk successfully forced the 49ers’ hand, signing a massive four-year, $120 million extension that included $76 million in total guarantees and a $23 million signing bonus.
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However, the investment quickly turned disastrous. Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in Week 7 of the 2024 season, halting a career that had yielded 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 27 total touchdowns in 69 games.
The relationship ruptured permanently during the rehabilitation process, if the team insiders are to be believed. League rules dictate that injured players must remain in close communication with team medical staff. Aiyuk reportedly defaulted on these terms, went AWOL from the 49ers’ facilities, and failed to report to subsequent training sessions.
Because of this contract default, San Francisco exercised its right to void Aiyuk’s remaining future guarantees and placed him on the reserve/left squad list.
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“I don’t know what the hell pissed him off so bad. They gave him a hell of a contract. You know what I mean? I mean, it’s not an unfair contract,” Gruden added. “They gave you a lot of money, a big signing bonus.”
“And I don’t know where the disdain came from, but yeah, I don’t think the 49ers are in the wrong at all,” he continued. “I think they’re doing everything every other NFL team would do in this situation.”
But Gruden is not the only one with similar concerns. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently noted that the 49ers currently hold all the leverage, owing Aiyuk zero guaranteed dollars moving forward.
Not only that, it may be possible that Aiyuk’s social media shenanigans could cool down the Commanders’ interest in him. Piling more misery on him, 49ers analyst Matt Maiocco has revealed that the team is actively moving to recoup an estimated $13.8 million to $18.4 million of Aiyuk’s signing bonus.
As it stands, San Francisco is completely aligned behind general manager John Lynch, who explored draft-day trades but refuses to release the receiver for nothing. Aiyuk may desperately want a change of scenery, but as Gruden concluded, the 49ers are simply running a business.
