Mike Silver

“The 49ers, sources say, responded by voiding the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.”

49ers preparing for stunning split with star receiver Brandon Aiyuk

Here's my story (with @diannarussini.bsky.social) for @theathletic.com

www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

The 49ers have grown increasingly frustrated with Brandon Aiyuk’s lack of communication.

His presence at the team’s training facility has become scarce. And despite efforts from those within the building to bring him back, his time in San Francisco appears to be running out.

Some in the 49ers organization are holding out hope that the relationship between the team and Brandon Aiyuk can be salvaged enough for him to return this season, but all indications are that the receiver has no desire to play for San Francisco.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

BREAKING: Fifteen months after signing a four-year, $120 million extension, Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers appear headed toward a divorce, sources tell me and @mikesilver.bsky.social.

More on voided future guarantees, frustrations and what comes next: www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

BREAKING: Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees were voided by the 49ers, sources tell me and @DMRussini.

Now, 15 months after signing a four-year extension worth $120 million, the two sides appear headed toward a stunning divorce.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

Click the link. He explains it.

After tragedy, the grieving Cowboys focused on football. Then their emotions poured out

Dak Prescott believes the Cowboys can make a playoff run. Jerry Jones isn't so sure. "It's probably a little late in the game," he told me... @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

🤯

My column from Las Vegas...

"Quiet! Quiet, Piggy."

After tragedy, the grieving Cowboys focused on football. Then their emotions poured out After the Cowboys' first game after Marshawn Kneeland's death, there were tears, grief and a few notes of defiance.

Even the Cowboys’ biggest hype man, 83-year-old owner Jerry Jones, conceded that a playoff run might be a bit ambitious. “It’s probably a little late in the game,” he told The Athletic. “But if not this season, our future is looking brighter.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

After tragedy, the grieving Cowboys focused on football. Then their emotions poured out After the Cowboys' first game after Marshawn Kneeland's death, there were tears, grief and a few notes of defiance.

“We’ve got a hell of a road ahead of us,” Prescott said. “And I think that’s the best part of it — we ain’t got no bullshit ahead, where we can lose focus. Shit, we want to make the playoffs? We got to go beat some playoff teams.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

After tragedy, the grieving Cowboys focused on football. Then their emotions poured out

Can Kneeland’s memory, and the grief that accompanies it, be the “gas to the fire” that their quarterback envisions?

More from @mikesilver.bsky.social on the emotional Dallas win ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

After their victory over the Raiders Monday night, Cowboys players focused on honoring their teammate Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away earlier this month.

✅

For three hours, the grieving Cowboys focused on football. Then their emotions poured out After the Cowboys' first game after Marshawn Kneeland's death, there were tears, grief and a few notes of defiance.

The Cowboys lost a teammate. Eleven days later, they won a football game. Afterward, Dak Prescott and others had some poignant thoughts. My story for @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

The Cowboys are wearing these shirts to honor Marshawn Kneeland. Here's VP of football operations/administration Todd Williams.

The paperback edition of The Why Is Everything includes a fresh epilogue detailing the adventures of our coaching protagonists throughout the 2024 season. It's spicy, and available wherever books are sold. @wwnortonlibrary.bsky.social
www.amazon.com/Why-Everythi...

...

Giants GM Joe Schoen’s five-year deal is set to expire after 2026, so long-term certainty isn’t guaranteed.

Still, most around the league think Schoen will be safe because of how highly he’s regarded by ownership.

More: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...

I believe that counts!

Guess who's back. Tell a friend...

I’m told Jaire is contemplating retirement but for now is stepping away to think through his next steps.

Sources tell me and @mikesilver.bsky.social the Eagles have kept conversations private over the last few days.

Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level nine games into the season and is obviously a strong candidate for the award, which he has never won. I asked him how much he cares about it. "I just want to play good," he said. "Whatever happens after that, I can't control."

I revisited this with
@tae15adams
after the Rams' 42-26 victory over the 49ers. He smiled and said, "Sometimes you've got to put it on display."

Reminder: "Not a wholesale type dude"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/629...

Hope we still have a democracy. (Cherish the moment and keep the faith)

As much as we can gather 😉

Joy