06/11/2026
Did the 49ers Treat Brandon Aiyuk Differently Than Nick Bosa and Christian McCaffrey?
The ongoing rift between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers has intensified after reports claimed the receiver was required to rehab at the team facility following his 2024 ACL and MCL injury, while teammates Nick Bosa and Christian McCaffrey were allowed to recover elsewhere. Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn called it a “double standard,” though the circumstances differed, with Bosa rehabbing under team supervision and McCaffrey traveling to Germany to consult an Achilles specialist with the team's approval. The dispute comes amid Aiyuk’s frustration over the voiding of future contract guarantees and his recent social media criticism of the organization. While Aiyuk has hinted at wanting a fresh start elsewhere, the 49ers still control his rights through 2028 and hold the leverage in determining his future.