Former San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner didn't hold back when discussing current 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown, and the exchange has fans talking.

Whitner, known for his outspoken takes, revealed that Brown reached out to him and fellow former 49er Richard Sherman after Whitner criticized his play. According to Whitner, Brown called to challenge him, saying he used to respect them but felt they weren't "keeping it G" by pointing out his deficiencies.

"Ain't that some bullsht?" Whitner said. "You fcking know that you played like sht last year. I had to step back and collect myself, and I'm thinking, 'Whitner. Growth. Growth.'"

The tension escalated when Whitner asked Brown if he felt he played like a top safety last season. Brown reportedly answered "Yeah," and when pressed about making the Pro Bowl, he again said yes.

"In that moment, I knew that the kid was just f*cking delusional," Whitner added.

Brown's 2024 season was a mixed bag. He allowed the lowest yards per target of his career and posted career highs in tackles for loss while also allowing the lowest completion percentage. However, missed tackles remained an issue, and questions persist about his ability to excel in multiple defensive roles.

While Brown is far from a fan favorite in 49ers territory, labeling him a bad player feels too harsh. Other defenders have been given grace while playing without a consistent pass rush, and Brown has shown enough positive flashes to warrant his starting spot. He's no Ronnie Lott or even Whitner in his prime, but there's talent worth developing.

Still, Whitner's comments raise an important question about accountability in the NFL. For a young safety trying to establish himself, the ability to take constructive criticism—even from former players—might be just as important as on-field performance. With the 49ers looking to bounce back in 2025, all eyes will be on Brown to see if he can silence his critics with his play.