During the ManningCast on Monday Night Football, Peyton Manning criticized San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for dropping a potential touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy, which highlighted Aiyuk's lack of preparation due to missing training camp over a contract dispute. Aiyuk, who recently signed a four-year, $120 million deal, had not practiced with the team until just days before the game, leading Manning to emphasize the importance of training camp for building chemistry with teammates. Manning expressed frustration that Aiyuk's absence and delayed contract resolution resulted in missed opportunities, stating, 'Get signed, get in training camp, there’s a reason for training camp.' Aiyuk's performance was underwhelming, with only 14 yards on a single reception during the game, raising concerns about his readiness for the season. Despite his previous successful season, where he recorded over 1,300 yards, this dropped pass has cast a shadow over his current form. The incident sparked debate on the impact of contract negotiations on player performance and preparation.