Peyton Manning Criticizes Brandon Aiyuk’s Dropped Touchdown After Contract Dispute
Peyton Manning didn’t mince words when it came to Brandon Aiyuk’s dropped pass during the San Francisco 49ers’ season opener against the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football.” Manning, co-hosting ESPN’s “ManningCast” alongside his brother Eli, was quick to criticize the wide receiver after a missed opportunity in the end zone that could have extended the 49ers’ lead. Quarterback Brock Purdy delivered a well-placed ball to Aiyuk, but the receiver let it slip through his hands, leading to an incompletion.
While the play didn’t ultimately affect the outcome of the game, as the 49ers cruised to a 32-19 victory, the drop in the moment caught the ire of Manning. The Hall of Fame quarterback used the opportunity to highlight the importance of training camp reps, especially after Aiyuk had spent much of the offseason embroiled in contract negotiations.
“Get signed. Get in training camp. There’s a reason for training camp. You need it. We need the reps,” Manning said, criticizing the late contract resolution. “Get those contracts done earlier so he can get in training camp [so] we don’t drop balls on opening night.”
Peyton Manning FIRED UP about Brandon Aiyuk's dropped pass in the endzone. #ManningCast pic.twitter.com/OYBn8bMZKv
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 10, 2024
Aiyuk’s new four-year, $120 million contract was finalized just before the season began, ending a months-long standoff that dominated much of the offseason narrative for the 49ers. Despite the lucrative deal, Manning was not willing to excuse what he saw as a lack of preparation.
Eli Manning took a slightly softer stance, calling Aiyuk “just a little rusty,” but Peyton was relentless, doubling down on his point.
“You’re still catching balls at a high school field from some quarterback that’s 45 years old, my age. You’re not catching balls from your quarterback,” Peyton continued. “Get signed, get in camp, and we don’t drop the ball.”
The missed touchdown forced San Francisco to settle for a field goal, putting them up 16-7 at halftime. Though the Niners would go on to comfortably win the game, the drop highlighted concerns about Aiyuk’s readiness following his contract holdout.
Aiyuk finished the game with just two catches for 28 yards, a far cry from the impact many expected following his new deal. Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings led the team in receiving yards with 64, and both of the 49ers’ touchdowns came via the ground game.
While the 49ers managed to outplay the Jets, Aiyuk’s drop, coupled with Peyton Manning’s scathing critique, serves as a reminder that big contracts bring even bigger expectations. As the season progresses, Aiyuk will be under pressure to prove that his offseason saga won’t impact his on-field performance.