On Monday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter provided more insight during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show." Schefter revealed that the 49ers, frustrated by Aiyuk's "hold-in," gave the receiver an ultimatum.
"Do you know that Brandon Aiyuk got the five-day letter in the middle of August, that he had a practice or he wouldn't be able to play this year?" Schefter said.
He went on to explain the five-day letter, stating, "You get a five-day letter, it means you better get back to practice or the team has the right to place you on the list, and you lose the year. That happened, too."
Of course, it sounded like the 49ers reached a point where they were fine trading Aiyuk. They were reportedly on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers, finalizing a deal, when Aiyuk decided to sign the contract extension the team had offered.
After practicing only a few times last week—his first on-field work with his teammates since February—Aiyuk is set to play tonight against the New York Jets.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers record prediction has team missing playoffs during 2026 season
The battle for the NFC West crown in 2026 should be a competitive one, but some believe that competition could ultimately lead to trouble for the San Francisco 49ers. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently released his record predictions for the 2026 NFL season, and he has the... -
Jim Harbaugh eager to meet Brock Purdy during 49ers-Chargers joint practice
Quarterback Brock Purdy has plenty of fans within the San Francisco 49ers organization. He also has admirers outside the team, including former 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh spoke to reporters Tuesday morning... -
49ers' Christian McCaffrey contract speculation emerges after training camp setback
NFL situations are often overanalyzed by the media, and that may be the case with San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey's recent training camp setback. McCaffrey has not practiced since August 8, when he was sidelined by what the 49ers described as... -
49ers injury news: Kyle Shanahan shares updates on Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa missed his fifth consecutive practice Tuesday, this time sitting out a joint session with the Tennessee Titans. Running back Christian McCaffrey has missed two straight practices, leading some fans to grow concerned about the status... -