Brandon Aiyuk is considered one of quarterback Brock Purdy’s high offensive weapons, however the 49ers large receiver felt underutilized in San Francisco’s newest journey to the Tremendous Bowl.
And as Aiyuk continues negotiations for what could possibly be a profitable 49ers contract extension, he not too long ago admitted that his lack of targets in Tremendous Bowl LVIII in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs left him feeling pissed off after San Francisco’s loss — particularly, stating it was why he made a cryptic social media submit within the recreation’s aftermath.
“Completely it did,” Aiyuk mentioned on Friday’s episode of “The Pivot” podcast when requested if his Tremendous Bowl utilization led to him posting, “Do not forget what acquired you there,” on his Instagram story the day after the massive recreation.
“I get out of the Tremendous Bowl, and I simply really feel such as you’re throwing the ball to me 5, six occasions a recreation all yr. I went for 100 [yards in a game] six or seven occasions this yr. I turned 70 catches into 1,400 [yards]. After which right here we’re proper now, speaking about being paid, getting paid high greenback on this market, however I do not know. The Tremendous Bowl was tough. We have moved on previous from the Tremendous Bowl.”
Aiyuk caught three of his six targets for 49 receiving yards within the Tremendous Bowl. He had three receptions and one landing within the NFC Championship Sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions, and three receptions within the divisional spherical in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers after being focused eight and 6 occasions, respectively.
The wideout was focused six or fewer occasions in eight video games throughout the 2023 NFL common season, or half of the 49ers’ contests.
Nonetheless, it is cheap for Aiyuk to need a extra distinguished function within the greatest recreation of the season, particularly after sealing San Francisco’s NFC title victory along with his now-famous “ladybug catch” at Levi’s Stadium. His manufacturing main as much as the Tremendous Bowl, the place he recorded his second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, actually did play a big function within the 49ers’ probability to go after one other Vince Lombardi Trophy.
And as he mentioned, Aiyuk has moved on from the Tremendous Bowl loss. However it’s clear the feelings of that have pressured him to look at his profession — and the way a lot he makes — by a distinct lens.
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