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Did Brandon Aiyuk Hint at Not Returning to the 49ers?

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk stayed away from the San Francisco 49ers during the mandatory minicamp. His absence resulted in $100,000 worth of fines and more mystery regarding his football future, whether with the defending NFC champions or another team.

But the All-Pro wideout might have hinted at his fate for the 2024 NFL season in a video he posted on TikTok. In it, he told Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels via FaceTime, "They said they don't want me back."

While the statement came from Aiyuk, he and the 49ers still have time to work out a contract extension before training camp starts in July. He's obligated to report because he is under contract via the fifth-year option that the team exercised. Otherwise, he must pay hefty fines for every training camp day missed.

Aiyuk earned a second-team All-Pro selection last season after tallying 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. It's his second consecutive 1,000-yard season and second year with at least 70 receptions. He was instrumental in the 49ers' journey to Super Bowl 58, which they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

After 49ers general manager John Lynch talked about the franchise's willingness to keep Aiyuk during the NFL meetings in Florida, the wideout from Arizona State posted, "Money talks, B.S. walks" on Instagram stories.

The 49ers must pay a fortune to keep Aiyuk in their books, especially after the escalating salaries during the 2024 offseason. Justin Jefferson established a new ceiling via a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings.

Meanwhile, the 49ers selected Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 draft. He had 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns in his final season with the Florida Gators.

-Lance Fernandez

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