Dez Bryant believes there’s a ‘smear’ tactic against Brandon Aiyuk

It’s been a bizarre time for Brandon Aiyuk, as he is technically still on the San Francisco 49ers roster despite being on the reserve list while working his way back from a knee injury and demanding a new contract. With the latest news about the star wide receiver revealing he has a warrant out for his arrest, former NFL superstar Dez Bryant shares his take on everything that is going on.

Bryant seems to believe there is some kind of smear campaign against the 28-year-old wideout. After the news broke that there is a warrant out for Aiyuk’s arrest on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speeding, Bryant claimed that the reporting is an alleged attempt to make the five-year veteran look bad.

“I don’t agree with how [Brandon Aiyuk] has been handling his business as a professional athlete,” said Bryant. “But [the warrant for Aiyuk’s arrest] is strategically put together to smear his name..Some will get it… and some won’t…”

While Dez Bryant believes the reporting of Aiyuk’s warrant is some sort of smear campaign, the warrant stems from a video the 49ers star posted on social media back in December 2025. The video allegedly displays Brandon Aiyuk in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, driving about 40 mph over the speed limit on a road near Levi’s Stadium.

This alleged driving incident is something Brandon Aiyuk will have to deal with for now. However, he is still in a contract dispute with the 49ers as well. He did not play at all in the 2025-26 season. Additionally, Aiyuk refused to participate in rehab sessions for his injured knee, which resulted in the 49ers placing him on the reserve list, thus voiding Aiyuk of about $27 million in guaranteed money last season.

Aiyuk has five seasons under his belt heading into the 2026-27 campaign. He’s shown flashes of serious potential, recording 294 receptions, 4,305 yards, and 25 touchdowns in 69 career games.