Are tensions boiling over between the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk? One social media move from the wide receiver on Friday further amplified that theory.
San Francisco 49ers News Today
As the 49ers prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, the front office also has Aiyuk’s future to address hovering above them. That situation, plus pre-draft updates including one notable future virtual visit, all spearhead today’s 49ers news!
Brandon Aiyuk Sparks Mounting Tensions With Social Media Decision
Anyone who went on Aiyuk’s personal Instagram page and typed “49ers” in the search bar noticed something different: The 49ers’ page didn’t show up.
After what’s been a cold war between him and the front office, Aiyuk has unfollowed the team he stars for.
Brandon Aiyuk has unfollowed the #49ers on Instagram 👀 pic.twitter.com/4VAGhOkAEX
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) April 12, 2024
Some may view this as a false alarm. However, Aiyuk has grown vocal in recent weeks about wanting a new deal. After all, he’s improved his numbers every season and is entering the final year of his current contract — with the 49ers picking up his fifth-year option.
During a March 29 appearance on The Nightcap Podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Aiyuk bluntly told both former NFL stars, “I’m trying to get what I deserve,” regarding his contract. But he added how he hoped to see a “professional agreement” come into play.
This isn’t the first time a high-profile 49ers star resorted to unfollowing S.F. on the social media app. Deebo Samuel pulled a similar tactic during the 2022 offseason. Samuel ultimately became a subject of trade chatter ahead of the NFL Draft, but both sides agreed to a new contract extension before training camp.
Virtual Meeting With 49ers on Deck for Oregon Star, Bay Area Native
The 49ers have managed to lure back past Bay Area stars before. Guard and Alameda, Calif., native Aaron Banks comes to mind. Now, the franchise has a virtual meeting set up with another former regional standout.
Oregon safety Evan Williams, a native of Campbell, Calif., told Justin Melo of The Draft Network that he has a future virtual meeting with the Niners. Williams referred to it as “another virtual visit coming up with the 49ers,” revealing he may have had a previous session with them or other teams.
Williams was not listed among the participants at the 49ers’ Local Pro Day involving players with Bay Area ties. NBC Sports Bay Area 49ers reporter and columnist Matt Maiocco listed former Ducks tight end Hunter Kampmoyer — who previously played with the Chargers — as the lone representative on Wednesday with Oregon ties.
(3/5)
S Tre Jenkins, San Jose State
S Emany Johnson, Nevada
RB Austin Jones, Stanford
DL Jay Kakiva, San Jose St
*TE Hunter Kampmoyer, Oregon
DL Tuli Letuligasenoa, Washington
DL Darius Long Jr., Cal
K Dario Longhetto, Arizona State
DL Tyler Manoa, Arizona
S Patrick McMorris, Cal— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 10, 2024
Williams, though, has drawn high intrigue ahead of the draft after earning second-team Pac-12 honors in 2023. Williams delivered 82 total tackles and 49 solo stops, forced two fumbles, and produced a career-high 4.5 sacks for the Ducks. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Williams leaped a 40.5-inch vertical jump while clearing 10’6″ in the broad jump.
He originally began his college career with Fresno State, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2022 season Mountain West Conference title.
George Kittle Discusses 49ers While Taking in The Masters
George Kittle has been racking up the mileage, attending two major events in April. He was spotted in the stands for WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia during the weekend of April 6. Now, the All-Pro tight end is settling for more tranquility in Augusta, Ga., at The Masters.
Kittle was still able to chat about the 49ers with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge at the prestigious golf tournament. While sitting alongside her and new Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, Kittle addressed the state of the 49ers’ offense, including how he believes his QB1 will react to the Super Bowl 58 loss.
“Brock Purdy is a fantastic quarterback, and he’s only going to get better because he’s young,” Kittle said.
"Everybody's kind of looking up at the Niners right now in the NFC. So, if we're gonna go anywhere we've got to get through [George Kittle.]" 😅
—Kirk Cousins and George Kittle join @LauraRutledge at #TheMasters. pic.twitter.com/bApunfctLQ
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 11, 2024
He added how the 49ers gain the benefit of keeping their core offensive pieces together and how he has hope for improvement in 2024.
“And we were fortunate enough to be able to keep our entire offense so far, which is really beneficial when your whole O-line stays together. Everyone just gets used to playing next to each other. So we’re just hoping that our offense can take another step forward,” Kittle said.
49ers Add Cornerback Help in New Mock Draft
Finally, will the 49ers turn to offense or defense on Day 1 of the NFL Draft?
In PFN’s latest mock draft by Dallas Robinson, he has the Niners staying put at No. 31, rolling with Clemson star cornerback Nate Wiggins.
“Cornerback should be a priority for the 49ers in this year’s draft. San Francisco has immediate and long-term needs in the secondary and can probably find a suitable CB at the end of Round 1,” Robinson said.
Robinson adds how Wiggins’ range makes him a fit for S.F.
KEEP READING: Dallas Robinson’s Latest 3-Round Mock Draft