Contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk took an unfortunate turn today. The star player requested a trade, hoping to find a team willing to meet his salary demands.
Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on a team-exercised fifth-year option. The wideout reportedly seeks more than twice that amount, aiming for a deal similar to the recent four-year, $120 million contract signed by Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, teams have reached out to the 49ers to inquire about Aiyuk. San Francisco's response? The team has "no intention" of trading their disgruntled receiver.
Sources: Other teams that have reached out and spoken to San Francisco have been told that the 49ers have no intention of trading disgruntled WR Brandon Ayiuk, who officially has requested a trade. 49ers open training camp next week. pic.twitter.com/vsVCoPvUr1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2024
There is no practical reason to trade Aiyuk at this point. If the 49ers were going to make a move, a deal with another team would have been struck around the draft. Currently, the 49ers are focused on making yet another championship run, and Aiyuk is expected to be a key player in that effort.
Josina Anderson reports that the New England Patriots recently reached out to the 49ers about a potential trade for Aiyuk. They were also told the receiver was unavailable at this time.
I'm told within the last couple of weeks the #Patriots reached out to the #49ers inquiring about WR Brandon Aiyuk again and were told the talented wide receiver was not being traded at the time, per source. pic.twitter.com/QhSmCBm7fW
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 16, 2024
Two years ago, San Francisco faced a similar situation with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and the two sides eventually agreed to terms on a contract extension. This latest development is unlikely to change the 49ers' stance at this time.
The 49ers have significant leverage in the negotiations with Aiyuk. In addition to the fifth-year option, the team can twice utilize the franchise tag in future years, keeping Aiyuk under contract through at least 2026. Obviously, it benefits everyone for the two sides to come to an agreement on a long-term deal instead, and a training camp holdout would be an unnecessary distraction.
And again, the #49ers trading WR Brandon Aiyuk right now would make little to no sense unless they were getting a difference making player back in return.
The Niners are trying to win a Super Bowl. This year. Trading one of their best players for 2025 draft picks doesn't help.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) July 16, 2024