The drama around Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers isn’t just a distant memory, it’s still causing trouble. 49ers tight end George Kittle strongly hinted this week that the lingering issues with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk trace directly back to those “protracted and difficult contract negotiations” from way back in 2024. That’s right, the past is still biting them now.
Kittle’s Hints Speak Volumes
When Kittle sat down with Chris Simms recently, he kept things close to the vest, saying he wouldn’t spill the beans on “the things that have happened.” But his refusal to talk details spoke volumes. He clearly knows *a lot* more than he’s letting on. This isn’t the first time Kittle has weighed in, either. During a past chat with “Pardon My Take,” Kittle simply told “PFT Commenter” to “Have fun with that” when talking about Aiyuk. You don’t say something like that if everything’s peachy keen, do you?
“Done It The Right Way”
Kittle’s full quote is wild when you break it down. He said, “I feel like I know basically everything that’s happened and what’s gone on, and I can’t share all of that, because it’s not my business to share or tell.” He went on to defend the team, saying, “I feel like the Niners have done a very good job throughout the entire process and have tried. Kyle [Shanahan] has tried. John [Lynch] has tried. Teammates have tried. And this is where we are.” It sounds like a strong defense of the organization’s efforts. Kittle finished by adding, “I don’t want to point a finger at anybody, but I’ve been here for 10 years, and I’ve been treated with nothing but respect and love my entire career. I feel like I’ve done it the right way as long as I can.” That line, “I feel like I’ve done it the right way,” hits different. It’s not hard to read between those lines and see where Kittle thinks the fault doesn’t lie.
It’s clear there’s still a cloud over the 49ers stemming from those 2024 contract talks. For Kittle to be this careful with his words, yet so pointed with his hints, means this isn’t just old news. The team has apparently done “a very good job” trying to fix it, but where they “are” right now tells you it hasn’t worked out yet. This is a story that’s gonna keep simmering for the 49ers, and it shows you that some problems just don’t go away easy.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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