49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk escalates feud, accuses NFLPA of smear campaign

Brandon Aiyuk's ongoing public battle has expanded beyond the San Francisco 49ers. After spending weeks criticizing the organization, his former agent, and the circumstances surrounding his contract, the veteran wide receiver turned his attention Saturday to the NFL Players Association, alleging the union launched a "smear campaign" against him after he declined to appeal the loss of roughly $30 million in guaranteed money. This after a brief feud with Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who many viewed as Aiyuk's last chance.

Aiyuk posted the following message on social media:

"They was like 'BA we're taking 30 mil out of your contract.'

I was like 'okay..'

NFLPA was like 'do you want to appeal it and try to get it back??'

I was like 'nah I'm just gone go to DC'

They was like 'okay.. we're gonna start a smear campaign to try and tarnish your NIL'

I was like 'okay… that's gone make me sad but I'm still going to DC'

NFLPA was like '[zip your moth emoji]'"

The post is Aiyuk's latest accusation against the NFLPA. In late June, he claimed the union was "lying/withholding information" from him while working alongside his former agent and the 49ers, though he did not provide specific evidence to support those allegations.

Aiyuk's newest comments appear to reference the voiding of future guarantees in his contract after the 49ers placed him on the reserve/left squad list. Reports indicated the NFLPA offered to help him appeal the decision, but Aiyuk chose not to pursue that route. Instead, the 28-year-old has repeatedly made it clear that his goal is to play for the Washington Commanders, though that now seems unlikely. He has publicly stated he has no intention of reporting back to the 49ers or filing for reinstatement, a move that league observers have noted is currently the only path available for him to resume his NFL career under the terms of his contract.

Neither the NFLPA nor the 49ers had publicly responded to Aiyuk's latest accusations as of Saturday afternoon.