Brandon Aiyuk's Contract Drama Shadows Monday Night Performance

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who nearly joined the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a contract dispute, dropped a potential touchdown pass on Monday Night Football, drawing criticism from commentators.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's offseason contract dispute, which almost resulted in a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers, has cast a shadow over his performance in the team's season opener against the New York Jets. Aiyuk's highly publicized contract negotiations and subsequent $120 million extension have raised expectations, but his performance on Monday night left much to be desired.

During the first half of the game, Aiyuk found himself open in the end zone but failed to secure a pass from quarterback Brock Purdy. The dropped pass drew immediate criticism from commentators, including Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who watched the game via the "ManningCast" simulcast.

Brandon Aiyuk's Contract Drama Shadows Monday Night Performance

"Get signed, get in training camp. There's a reason for training camp, you need it," Manning said. "We need the reps. Get those contracts done earlier so we can get into training camp, and we don't drop balls on opening night."

Aiyuk's struggles on Monday night continued throughout the game. He finished with two catches on five targets for 28 yards, a performance that fell short of his typical production. The wide receiver's uncharacteristic drop and underwhelming performance raised questions about his readiness after a long and tumultuous offseason.

Brandon Aiyuk's Contract Drama Shadows Monday Night Performance

Aiyuk's contract negotiations began shortly after the 49ers' Super Bowl LVIII loss in February. The wide receiver reportedly sought a pay raise that would reflect his status as a rising star. The negotiations dragged on throughout the summer, with Aiyuk even requesting a trade at one point.

The situation was eventually resolved when Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers in August. The deal made him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, but it also raised expectations for his performance.

Brandon Aiyuk's Contract Drama Shadows Monday Night Performance

Aiyuk's struggles on Monday night were compounded by the strong performance of the Jets' defense, particularly cornerback Sauce Gardner. Gardner blanketed Aiyuk throughout the game, making it difficult for him to get open.

Despite his disappointing performance, Aiyuk remains a key part of the 49ers' offense. The team will need him to step up as they look to improve their record after a 1-0 start. The wide receiver's contract drama is now behind him, but his performance on the field will continue to be under scrutiny in the weeks and months to come.