X

Brandon Aiyuk Wants to Stay With 49ers 'If It's The Right Move' Amid Contract Rumors

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 13, 2024

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Steph Chambers/Getty Images

The 2024 campaign will be the last one on Brandon Aiyuk's current contract, but the wide receiver's time with the San Francisco 49ers might not be limited.

He told reporters he prefers to remain with the NFC West team "if it's the right move," which he clarified meant "being a champion." ESPN's Nick Wagoner noted he also became emotional when asked to reflect on this year's 49ers team.

OurSF49ers @OurSf49ers

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> WR Brandon Aiyuk says he wants to remain a Niner "If it's the right move." <br><br>When asked what that would look like, Aiyuk replied with: "Being a champion."<br><br>🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattblively?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mattblively</a> <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/AlZ0qngy55">pic.twitter.com/AlZ0qngy55</a>

The comments come after he posted a cryptic Instagram Story with the message "Don't forget what got you there."

Dev 🥷🏽 @NinerDev

<a href="https://t.co/kbycbQQ9hF">pic.twitter.com/kbycbQQ9hF</a>

What's more, his girlfriend and brother both suggested he may depart from the 49ers this offseason:

Coach Yac 🗣 @Coach_Yac

Brandon Aiyuk's girlfriend, Rochelle, talking about the possibility of him not being on the 49ers next season:<br><br>"OK, this might have been the last day we touch foot on Levi's Stadium, me and Braylon (their son), because we might not be out here next season."<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> exercised… <a href="https://t.co/jVezGMjlXM">pic.twitter.com/jVezGMjlXM</a>

WayneBreezie @thewaynebreezie

Brandon Aiyuk's Brother (Best Friend) On IG <a href="https://t.co/WedP0QYiZ8">pic.twitter.com/WedP0QYiZ8</a>

It wouldn't be shocking if there is some lingering frustration following Sunday's 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, especially given his lack of usage. Aiyuk finished the game with just three catches on six targets for 49 yards.

He also posted three catches in each of the team's two NFC playoff games, although he at least scored a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the conference title matchup.

Aiyuk led the 49ers in catches (75) and receiving yards (1,342) during the regular season and was tied with Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey for the lead with seven touchdown catches.

Yet McCaffrey, Samuel and even Jauan Jennings were more featured at times during the postseason.

Aiyuk turns 26 years old in March and is coming off a career-best season. There would be no shortage of interest in the wide receiver around the league if San Francisco did choose to move on from him, but the team might need him back to reach another Super Bowl after coming so close to the Lombardi Trophy this past season.

He certainly didn't seem closed off to a return with his latest comments, although questions remain following the social-media posts.