San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk spent the offseason negotiating a new deal with the team and was nearly traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a contract dispute.
In fact, FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer said over the weekend that the 49ers had a deal in place to send Aiyuk to the Steelers when things changed at the last minute. Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension and the rest is history.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk fails to catch a pass against New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II in the end zone in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
Aiyuk started Monday night against the New York Jets. Just as the first half was coming to a close, Brock Purdy found him in the end zone. Aiyuk dove for the ball, but couldn't reach it.
Peyton Manning, who was watching the game with his brother Eli and former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick on the “ManningCast” game simulcast, criticized Aiyuk for dropping the ball after the lengthy contract dispute.
“Sign it, get into training camp. There's a reason for training camp, you need it,” an enthusiastic Pro Football Hall of Famer said on the broadcast. “We need the reps. Sign those contracts early so we can get into training camp and not let things slide on opening night.
Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning walks the field before the start of their game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Oct. 8, 2016, in College Station, Texas. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JORDAN MASON REVEALS 49ERS MAY HAVE VIOLATED NFL RULE WITH CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY'S LOSS FROM WEEK 1 GAME
“You're still catching balls on a high school field from a quarterback who's 45 years old, my age. You're not catching balls from your quarterback. He gets a contract, he goes to training camp and we don't drop the ball.”
Eli Manning also admitted that Aiyuk looked rusty.
The Aiyuk drama began right after the team's loss in Super Bowl LVIII and lasted until late August. The wide receiver also admitted that he made things “difficult” before the deal was finalized.
New York Jets cornerback Willow Gardner defends a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
On Monday, the 49ers defeated the Jets 32-19. Aiyuk had two receptions on five passes for 28 yards.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on X and subscribe to The Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
