Brandon Aiyuk posted a 91‑second Instagram clip that hints the 49ers fear releasing him. In the video, he mocks “little boys” and “female dogs” who would run from a looming bill, implying the team worries about the financial hit if he signs elsewhere. The clip marks the first public jab from Aiyuk in recent season.

The controversy roots back to July, when San Francisco voided the rest of Aiyuk's guaranteed money after he missed rehab for a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus. Aiyuk was later placed on the reserve/left team list, and GM John Lynch said he had played his last snap with the Niners in the offseason and still.

Aiyuk’s Instagram post shows his growing frustration, with captions urging the Niners to stop “running from the bill.” He also hinted a future with the Washington Commanders, following quarterback Jayden Daniels. The team has yet to find a trade partner, keeping him on the list while the league watches his next move.

If Aiyuk refuses to report to training camp, he could slip to the reserve/did‑not‑report list, triggering daily fines up to $50,000. The 49ers can release him after June 1, spreading the remaining dead money over two years. Aiyuk’s next action will decide whether he remains a free‑agent thorn or a traded asset for the team.