NFL

Brandon Aiyuk’s tumultuous 2024 Season with the 49ers

Brandon Aiyuk’s 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers was marked by contract disputes, a meaningful injury, and ⁢visible friction with the team, ultimately culminating in a ​disappointing season for both player and franchise.

Coming​ off a 2023 season where he ⁣earned ⁢second-team All-Pro honors with 1,342 receiving yards and‍ a league-leading 17.9 yards per reception, Aiyuk was unwilling to play under ‌the $14.1 million fifth-year option of his rookie contract. this led to his ‌absence from team activities ⁣until training camp, where he participated in a “hold-in” – attending practices but refusing to fully participate, citing back and neck soreness.

Negotiations proved challenging,‌ with Aiyuk reportedly changing‌ his demands regarding contract terms​ and acceptable trade⁤ destinations. The 49ers explored⁢ trade possibilities with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, but Aiyuk ‌was hesitant⁣ to sign extensions ⁢with either team. He was, though, open to a long-term ⁤commitment with the Pittsburgh Steelers,‌ who offered second- and third-round draft picks for his acquisition.

In late August 2024, the 49ers medically cleared Aiyuk to return to⁢ practice. When he declined, the team prepared to finalize a trade with the Steelers.However,⁣ Aiyuk reversed course after a meeting with coach Kyle Shanahan, agreeing to a four-year contract extension with $76 million ⁢in guarantees.

Aiyuk’s on-field performance began slowly,with 13 receptions for 167 yards over the first four ‍games. A public display of frustration occurred during a late September⁤ practice when shanahan requested Aiyuk change from‌ red to mandated black practice shorts. Aiyuk⁣ reacted by ⁢throwing his gloves and cleats, attempting to ​remove his shorts,⁣ and ​eventually complying with‍ the request.

He rebounded the following week against the‌ Arizona Cardinals, recording 12 catches for 147 yards. However, during a‌ rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 20, 2024, Aiyuk suffered a season-ending injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and ​meniscus. He ‌underwent ⁢reconstructive surgery in mid-November and was placed on the‌ Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list,with limited presence at the team facility.

Despite expectations of a potential return later ‍in the season, Aiyuk remained​ on ⁣the PUP list. The 49ers ultimately finished the 2024 season with ⁣a 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Aiyuk’s contract included a $100,000 workout bonus and $750,000 ⁣in roster bonuses per game.