A departure from the Bay Area seems to be getting closer and closer for Brandon Aiyuk with the wide receiver recently unfollowing the San Francisco 49ers on Instagram.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and his performances on the field would have generated interest from NFL teams looking for a top wide receiver. The 26-year-old has hinted that he is in the market for a long-term contract and that could mean a move from the 49ers, who already have several highly-paid superstars on the roster.
Brandon Aiyuk has unfollowed the #49ers on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/GPe2JYrhfS
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 12, 2024
The tactic to unfollow a team has been used by several athletes to indirectly send their message across with Kyler Murray perhaps the most high-profile player to use the move. He went on to earn five-year, 230.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Justin Fields recently unfollowed the Chicago Bears on social media and a few weeks later found himself on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Brandon Aiyuk has been exceptional since being drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The speedy receiver has amassed 269 receptions, 3932 receiving yards and 27 total touchdowns over 62 regular season games. Aiyuk was also a member of the side that made it all the way to the Super Bowl last season, before eventually losing out to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Aiyuk is set to earn $14.1 million next season and would be a free agent after that. It looks like the talented receiver is keen to force a move before the start of the 2024 season.
