Steve Smith Discusses Brandon Aiyuk’s Current Situation
Carolina Panthers legend Steve Smith expressed his confusion over the status of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, echoing many NFL fans’ sentiments. Aiyuk’s issues with the team began in 2024 when they voided his 2026 guaranteed salary, citing failed obligations related to his ACL injury rehabilitation from October 2024. His relationship with the team has deteriorated further due to unusual social media posts over the past year.
“It’s a lot of things, but man, I have no damn idea what’s going on in that young man’s head,” Smith commented during an appearance on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich.”
In a game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 16, 2022, Aiyuk celebrated a touchdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, recent events have cast a shadow over his career.
Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, mentioned there is undoubtedly something troubling Aiyuk. He urged someone to intervene and provide guidance to the 28-year-old.
“There’s clearly something going on, and I don’t want to say in his head because that could come off very judgmental, but there’s obviously something going on in his heart that’s not aligning with what his picture is seeing of how his career is starting to go,” Smith remarked.
Smith emphasized the need for someone close to Aiyuk to have a conversation with him about his goals and actions, suggesting that Aiyuk is currently harming his own potential. Smith acknowledged Aiyuk’s talent, describing him as a strong player.
In his absence from the team, prosecutors charged Aiyuk with a California misdemeanor offense for exhibition of speed after he filmed himself speeding near the 49ers facility. He has also shared Instagram stories about playing for the Washington Commanders and engaged in a social media dispute with a former teammate. Additionally, he appeared to criticize head coach Kyle Shanahan on social media following Shanahan’s car accident.
When questioned about Aiyuk’s future in the NFL, Smith admitted uncertainty but expressed hope that Aiyuk would take steps to support himself before it is too late.
“We all have seen players do a lot better, a lot worse things than this, and they’ve still been employed. So, I don’t know what’s going on and I just hope that he can figure it out so he doesn’t find himself in a place that he doesn’t want to be, which is unemployed and looking at his career in the rearview mirror and looking at life without football through the front windshield,” Smith highlighted.
Aiyuk showed potential to be one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, especially during his 2023 season with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. After extended negotiations, he signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers.
In 2024, he played only seven games before an ACL injury ended his season. He has yet to return to the field and has been in the spotlight for non-football reasons.