Opinions on Brandon Aiyuk are dependent on which side of the fence you're on. Washington Commanders fans are largely siding with the wide receiver, while San Francisco 49ers fans are puzzled and enraged by the way he's handled the situation before what looks like an inevitable departure this summer.
But for one offensive lineman-turned-analyst, he made his feelings on Aiyuk's actions crystal clear.
Everything was seemingly quiet between the Niners and Aiyuk until this week. That all changed when the former Arizona State standout posted a series of Instagram posts resembling a tirade against the organization, accusing them of doing him wrong and of running scared about letting him join Washington.
It was an interesting path to take. But it speaks to the wideout's frustration as he continues to get left in limbo by the Niners.
Mark Schlereth goes scorched earth on Brandon Aiyuk as Commanders connections grow
Mark Schlereth, a three-time Super Bowl champion who now works as an analyst for FOX Sports, thought Aiyuk brought on these problems on himself. He didn't think there was a conspiracy, but rather a petulant, diva-like receiver throwing a tantrum when things weren't going in his favor.
“Here’s a little piece of advice for you. You are exactly where you are because of the s----y decisions that you’ve made. You are not a victim. It is not anybody else’s fault. The San Francisco 49ers didn’t conspire against you to ruin your career. You are where you are because of your stupidity. Just admit it, embrace it, and move forward with it.”
Schlereth was scathing. San Francisco probably isn't without blame, but Aiyuk has not covered himself in glory. Even so, if this approach eventually ends with the wideout reuniting with quarterback Jayden Daniels, he'll think it was worth it.
That might not be anytime soon.
The Niners are not going to do anything to help Aiyuk, especially if he's reportedly intent on joining Washington. That's the consensus around the league, and the interest is mutual, according to reports. But this will not be via trade, so one has to wonder what the point in dragging this out actually is.
Pettiness and bitterness seem like good enough reasons in this saga.
It's not costing the Niners anything — not yet, anyway — and that will remain the case until Aiyuk's roster bonus is due. Some believe showing up at the facility could provoke action, but that won't happen until training camp, after San Francisco canceled its mandatory minicamp.
And even then, it seems highly doubtful.
The Commanders are waiting. They're focused on the players around them right now, and there is no telling how much Aiyuk could help in any case. He's been off the field for a long time. A disrupted offseason means it will take him time to get up to speed. And that's without counting for his character concerns.
Peters and Daniels know him better than most. Aiyuk is desperate and acting like it. But everyone should strap themselves in for a long ride.
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