The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appear headed toward a split, though the timing remains unclear. The team does not seem to be in a rush to release the veteran, likely hoping a receiver-needy team emerges as a trade partner.

Otherwise, a release remains the most likely outcome.


Tight end George Kittle recently appeared on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast, where he was asked about his soon-to-be former teammate and when communication between the two broke down.

Kittle, reflecting on the last time he saw Aiyuk, described the receiver as "kind of at training camp, kind of not." Aiyuk was intermittently around the facility early in the season, often in the weight room as he continued his rehab.

That changed in November, when Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic reported that the 49ers had voided guaranteed money in Aiyuk's contract. The report cited failures to meet contractual obligations, including missed meetings and a lack of participation in team activities.

Before that story came out, Kittle recalls occasionally talking to Aiyuk in the weight room.

"Literally, a week later, that story came out—all the crazy stuff," Kittle said. "And then, I didn't see him again."


Kittle added that he does not typically discuss situations like that with general manager John Lynch or head coach Kyle Shanahan, leaving him without additional insight.

"I just try to be there for the players, if there's something going on, because you always want to be there for the boys," Kittle said. "But I don't know what's going on with Brandon. I don't know what he's thinking. I really have no idea."

While Kittle can't provide an update on Aiyuk, he recalled their final meaningful conversation before the report surfaced.

"We've played together for four years now," Kittle recalls telling Aiyuk. "I love you. I love playing football with you. How can I help?"

He added, "And then, like literally two days later, the article comes out, and I don't see him again."


Kittle noted that Aiyuk did reach out after the tight end suffered an Achilles injury during the playoffs, texting, "Thinking of you."

Kittle appreciated the message but suggested it was their only communication since late November.



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