Things have been awkward between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for well over a year now. The receiver was a key part of the team but hasn’t played since 2024, and there are now hard feelings on both sides. Recently, 49ers owner Jed York surprisingly left the door open for Aiyuk to remain with the team.
Now, Rich Eisen is making it known that he feels bad for 49ers fans caught in the middle.
Why Rich Eisen Is ‘Angry’ for 49ers Fans amid Brandon Aiyuk Dispute
Before 2024, Aiyuk looked poised to become one of the game’s best receivers. In 2023, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and earned second-team All-Pro honors for that performance.
As a result, the 49ers gave Aiyuk a massive four-year, $120 million extension ahead of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7, ending his season prematurely.
The injury kept Aiyuk out for the entire 2025 season as well, and it was reported that the team voided the guarantees in the receiver’s contract for 2026 due to a lack of participation. Then, in December, the team placed the receiver on the reserve/left squad list.
After all that, York’s sudden change in tone last week caught some off guard. Eisen explained that he feels “angry” for the fans as this situation drags on, but he understands why York would want the receiver back.
“Why wouldn’t he (want Aiyuk back)? They’re paying him,” said Eisen. “Hey Brandon, I don’t know what happened there, but, that’s (Mike) Evans, that’s (George) Kittle, that’s (Christian) McCaffrey, that’s Trent Williams, and that’s Brock Purdy. Where are you gonna get any better than that?”
Rich Eisen on Jed York saying he would love to have Brandon Aiyuk stay with the 49ers:
“Why wouldn’t he? They’re paying him. Hey Brandon, I don’t know what happened there, but that’s Evans, that’s Kittle, that’s McCaffrey, that’s Trent Williams and that’s Brock Purdy. Where are… pic.twitter.com/XbfLWriNNR
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 31, 2026
Eisen then mentioned that, even without Aiyuk, the 49ers were close to being the No. 1 seed in the NFC last year and competing for a Super Bowl once again.
“You were that close to being the number one seed last year. I’m angry for Niner fans,” the analyst said.
It’s an unfortunate situation for all involved. When healthy, Aiyuk is an elite receiver, and he could be the final piece to push the 49ers over the top. Instead, he’s taking up valuable cap space and not contributing.
How the 49ers Are Seemingly Preparing for Life Without Brandon Aiyuk
The 49ers have gotten used to being without Aiyuk, and it seems they will continue to prepare for life without him. This offseason, the team brought in future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, adding another elite weapon to the offense.
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The 49ers have proven that their offensive success doesn’t rely on any one person. Even without George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall for several games in 2025, the team finished fourth in the league in the PFSN NFL Offense Impact metrics.
With Aiyuk seemingly having no trade market and not wanting to remain in San Francisco, it could be a while before this situation is resolved. As Eisen expressed, 49ers fans have to just be tired of it at this point.
