The San Francisco 49ers had hoped that signing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a lucrative $120 million contract extension would put an end to any off-field drama and solidify his role as a cornerstone of the team’s future. After all, Aiyuk got what he wanted—a long-term deal and a significant financial commitment.
However, it seems the 49ers’ optimism was misplaced, as Aiyuk has been a major disappointment both on and off the field this season.
From a performance perspective, Aiyuk’s production has been far from what the team expected when they invested in him as a key offensive weapon. In three games, he has only 11 receptions for 119 yards—numbers that are underwhelming for a player with his talent and paycheck. But what’s even more concerning is his behavior, which has raised eyebrows within the organization.
Tensions between Aiyuk and the team reached a boiling point during Friday’s practice, where he caused a stir over something as minor as his choice of practice attire. Aiyuk showed up wearing red shorts, despite the team’s strict policy that players must wear black shorts to practice. While it might seem trivial, the incident highlights a pattern of disregard for team rules and discipline that has frustrated coaches and teammates alike.
49ers reporter Grant Cohn captured a video of Aiyuk in conversation with head coach Kyle Shanahan during practice, presumably about his inappropriate attire. After the exchange, Aiyuk’s reaction left many stunned. Instead of handling the situation maturely, Aiyuk was seen kicking off his shorts in frustration, a move that came across as childish and unprofessional for a player of his caliber.
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When asked about the situation after practice, Shanahan confirmed that Aiyuk had, in fact, worn the wrong shorts. “Yeah, he did,” Shanahan responded, adding a hint of sarcasm with, “Good question.” However, when pressed further about whether Aiyuk’s behavior would result in any form of punishment, Shanahan downplayed the incident. “No, I wish I could wear different shorts,” he joked, seemingly brushing off the issue.
While Shanahan may have taken a lighthearted approach in front of the media, the situation speaks to a deeper issue with Aiyuk’s mindset this season. For a player who was given a major contract to be a key part of the team’s success, Aiyuk’s behavior and lack of focus are becoming a growing concern. His performance on the field has yet to live up to expectations, and incidents like these suggest that his attitude off the field may be contributing to his struggles.
The 49ers didn’t invest in Aiyuk to deal with immature antics. They paid him to be a reliable playmaker, a leader, and someone who can help drive the team toward championship contention. If Aiyuk wants to live up to the contract and expectations placed on him, he’ll need to start showing up with the right mindset—both in games and in practice.
This Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots presents a chance for Aiyuk to begin redeeming himself.
The spotlight will be on him not just to improve his on-field production, but to show that he can be the professional the 49ers need. If he continues down this path of underperformance and questionable behavior, the patience of the organization and the fanbase may start wearing thin.
