Brandon Aiyuk is flat-out unwilling to seek reinstatement to the 49ers’ roster right now. Until he changes his position and files the proper paperwork with the league, nothing he says or does matters for getting him back on the field. While there is no indication his mindset has actually changed, his latest social media message isn’t aimed at his team, but directly at the NFL Players Association.
Aiyuk Accuses NFLPA of “Smear Campaign” Over Commanders Talk
Aiyuk dropped a series of statements in one graphic, creating the impression that he told the NFLPA he didn’t want to appeal the 49ers’ voiding of his guarantees because he planned to “just play for the Commanders.” According to Aiyuk, that’s when the union decided to “start a smear campaign and tarnish your NIL.” His response, he suggests, was to tell them it would “make me sad but I’m still going to DC.” He then indicates the union’s response was to “clam up.”
The Union’s Silence and Aiyuk’s Untaken Path
The broader message isn’t perfectly clear, but Aiyuk might be suggesting he was under the impression the 49ers would release him, and the NFLPA kept him in the dark. This definitely makes sense given a prior Instagram post where he accused the union of “lying/withholding information.” Regardless of the internal union drama, Aiyuk’s path to a ticket out of San Francisco remains crystal clear. He needs to file for reinstatement, then hope the league grants the request. If and when the league approves, he would then have to show up for training camp. For now, he is doing none of that.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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