Pat McAfee questions NFL rule used on San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk

ESPN personality Pat McAfee was befuddled by an NFL rule that he and many had not been aware of which the San Francisco 49ers enforced on wantaway wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to force him to return to the team.

Aiyuk's feud with the Niners lasted throughout the offseason after he had wanted a contract extension while into the final year of his rookie contract - looking to be paid his worth after an outstanding 2023 season. The wide receiver publicly stated his intent to be traded, with the 49ers allowing him to look elsewhere to conclude a trade - with the parties never coming to an agreement which saw him remain away from the team.

But just days away from the season opener against the New York Jets, an extension was agreed upon to see him remain with the Nienrs signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension - ending his holdout with the team and beginning practicing. However, it has now been revealed that the Niners essentially forced Aiyuk to return after enforcing a 'five-day letter'.

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ESPN insider Adam Schefter told McAfee on his show: "Do you know that Brandon Aiyuk got the five-day letter in the middle of August that he had to practice, or he wouldn't be able to play this year?"

Confused, McAfee responded: "No, I did not know that. What's that mean? I don't think I know what you're talking about?" before Schefter said: "You get a five-day letter. It means you better get back to practice or the team has the right to place you on the list and you lose the year."

The Niners essentially enforced a rule that would have made Aiyuk ineligible for the 2024 season in giving him a deadline, which he ended up agreeing to and signing the offer that had been on the table for him for several weeks.

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Aiyuk had been present with the team throughout training camp, but chose not to practice while hoping the Niners would either extend or trade him. The receiver cited a 'back injury' as to why he had not been in pads with his teammates.

Throughout various times during training camp, it had been reported that the receiver was close to joining both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, with both teams allowed to speak to the receiver on a contract extension.

However, no trade could be agreed upon with Aiyuk admitting he agreed to sign the deal with the Niners after 'making it difficult for them'.

He told reporters: "I'm not going to lie, I made it a little bit more difficult than I needed to at the end. I think we're good now," he confessed. I just had a feel for what I wanted, not just in terms of money, but in all those things. Ultimately, I wanted to be here and ended up being here. So I'm happy and ready to go."