Shanahan's Trade Standoff with Aiyuk: A Ugly Feud?

On April 3rd, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan dropped some pointed comments

about why receiver Brandon Ayukk, who's pushing for a trade.

A mid-contract drama.

The team faces heat for their handling, but plenty point fingers at Ayukk too.

Truths probably split down the middle, with both sides dug in deep.

Former player Dante Whittner, who knows both the Niners and Commanders, predicts this

feud could get ugly.

He sees signs of real resentment building, like the 49ers aiming to show no one's bigger

than the franchise, even if it means playing hardball.

Fans and insiders are buzzing with mix-takes.

Some side with the team's tough stands after Ayukk's trade request, others call it petty.

Shanahan's words and meetings hint at frustration over Ayukk's approach, fueling the divide.

Ayukk's locked in for three more seasons under his current deal, and no squad seems eager

to swallow that cap hit.

The Niners aren't forced to cut him loose for Washington, so this standoff might drag

past June 1st, or even longer.

Commanders are playing it cool, waiting their shot while Ayukk's stay silent, smart move

right now.

If a deal clicks, great, but they're not sitting idle forever as the clock ticks.