George Kittle recently spoke about his teammate Brandon Aiyuk's potential departure from the San Francisco 49ers. On June 22, Kittle appeared on the Barstool Sports podcast "Pardon My Take" and discussed Aiyuk's health and contract situation.
What happened?
Kittle stated that Aiyuk appeared to be healthy when he last saw him, around October of last year. Aiyuk had missed the back half of the 2024 season and the first few games of the 2025 season due to a knee injury.
Why it matters for George Kittle
The 49ers' tight end acknowledged that Aiyuk's health was not the only issue, as the wideout's failure to report for team meetings and activities led to the voiding of his guaranteed contract money for 2026.
What comes next?
Aiyuk has been actively pursuing a move to the Washington Commanders, posting a video on social media chanting "Go Commanders!" on June 21. The Commanders would need to acquire Aiyuk via trade or wait for his release from the 49ers to sign him as a free agent.
The 28-year-old wideout signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers in 2024, which runs through the 2028 season. Despite the voided guaranteed money, Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers.
Kittle expressed some frustration with Aiyuk's situation, telling PFT Commenter, a Commanders fan and co-host of "Pardon My Take," "Have fun with that, I guess. You have fun with all that comes with [having Aiyuk on the team]."
However, Kittle still acknowledged Aiyuk's skill, saying "He's an alien, for sure." Aiyuk was a first-round pick by the 49ers in the 2020 NFL Draft and recorded 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first four seasons with the team.
On January 21, 49ers general manager John Lynch stated, "I think it's safe to say [Aiyuk]'s played his last snap with the 49ers." This statement, combined with Kittle's comments, suggests that Aiyuk's time with the 49ers may be coming to an end.
Aiyuk's potential move to the Commanders could have significant implications for the team's offense. The Commanders would need to navigate the complexities of Aiyuk's contract situation to make the move a reality.
The situation is ongoing, with no official announcement from the 49ers or the Commanders regarding Aiyuk's future. Kittle's comments provide insight into the situation, but the final decision remains to be seen.