Journalist Grant Cohn, with a decade-long tenure covering the San Francisco 49ers, contends that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is incompatible with Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system. According to Cohn, the 49ers must acknowledge this discord when deliberating on Aiyuk’s future with the team.
Cohn highlights Aiyuk’s inclination towards seeking opportunities elsewhere, evident from his social media activity expressing a desire for a more prominent role in the team’s offense. Despite Aiyuk’s stellar performance leading the team in receiving yards and receptions in the 2022 season, he feels overlooked within Shanahan’s system and advocates for increased involvement.
Born and raised in the Sacramento area and Reno, Nevada, 29-year-old Aiyuk boasts a decorated football background, earning accolades at both the high school and collegiate levels before joining the 49ers. Despite his contributions to the team, including a second-team All-Pro recognition in 2023, tensions have arisen between Aiyuk and Shanahan, leading to instances where Aiyuk feels sidelined within the offense.
Grant Cohn empathetically argues for Aiyuk, emphasizing his dedication and performance on the field. However, he acknowledges the unlikelihood of reconciliation between Aiyuk and Shanahan, given their history of discord. Cohn suggests that the 49ers should weigh this dynamic carefully when contemplating whether to retain or trade Aiyuk, considering the player’s potential dissatisfaction and its impact on team morale and performance.