Some in the media were speculating that all wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had to do for his long-awaited release was show up for work. But perhaps surprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers took that out of his hands.
For now, at least.
Aiyuk once again made no secret of his desire to join the Washington Commanders during a series of social media posts over the weekend. He even spoke in one of them, highlighting his frustration with the Niners. The wideout thinks they are running scared, and he desperately wants out.
Brandon Aiyuk's desire to join Commanders is only digging 49ers in deeper
The Niners have held firm, making things as difficult as possible. They took things up a notch by canceling their mandatory minicamp, with head coach Kyle Shanahan claiming this was a reward for full attendance at organized team activities.
Well, Aiyuk wasn't there, so attendance wasn't at 100 percent. Shanahan's statement suggests that either he was lying or the receiver is so far out of his mind that he no longer considers him part of the team.
It's hard to say for sure. But one thing that cannot be disputed is the bitterness, resentment, and even hatred between the Niners and Aiyuk.
Now, Aiyuk is in limbo again. He may not have been planning to show up for minicamp, but San Francisco won't be taking training camp off. That is a chance to make a statement for the player, but that's also a longer wait than being removed from the equation right now.
As for the Commanders? They need to handle this situation carefully.
They are reportedly reluctant to make a trade for Aiyuk, which is the right call. Everyone believes Washington is his next stop to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels. That's only infuriated San Francisco further, and his latest social media outburst will only strengthen the team's resolve in this drawn-out saga.
San Francisco probably wasn't thinking about Aiyuk when they called off its mandatory minicamp.
They've moved on. They are not factoring him into any forward planning for next season and beyond. But unless the Commanders or anyone else comes up with a trade offer, general manager John Lynch will keep hold of him right before his roster bonus is due.
Just what the point in that would be is anyone's guess.
Everyone is fed up, and now that Aiyuk has finally spoken out, people are starting to realize that there are two sides to every story. Promises weren't kept, and relationships quickly soured. But considering the former Arizona State standout was seen running sharp routes before games in October, there is a good chance he is ready now.
The Niners know it. Washington probably does, too. But the situation has gone beyond toxic, and there is no telling where things go from here.
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