Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option, well below the market value for a top wide receiver—a market that has exploded this offseason. It is believed that Aiyuk seeks a deal worth around $30 million annually, similar to the recent four-year, $120 million contract signed by Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that the 49ers extended an offer that would pay Aiyuk approximately $26 million annually. When Aiyuk requested a trade today, it was assumed that the receiver was unhappy with the progress of the continued negotiations. Apparently, no progress has been made.
"Now, you remember there was a recent conversation between the sides in which I'm told both sides got some things off of their chest to perhaps reset the table for another run at negotiations," Mike Garafolo said on NFL Network's The Insiders. "Well, that didn't happen, and the Niners haven't made an offer, from my understanding, according to sources, since May.
"And so Aiyuk, at this point, with training camp about to start, feeling frustrated, says, 'You know what? I want a trade, then. We had plenty of time to get something done. We're not getting it done. So here we are.'"
The 49ers have been down this road before. Two years ago, wide receiver Deebo Samuel requested a trade, but the two sides eventually came to an agreement on a contract. With training camp set to kick off next week, it remains to be seen if any progress between the 49ers and Aiyuk is made before the veterans report.
During the segment on The Insiders, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared his opinion on Aiyuk's recent trade request.
"Look, it's hard for me to imagine, absent some crazy situation or someone offering them a premium first-round pick, hard to imagine the 49ers actually trade Brandon Aiyuk," Rapoport commented, "mainly because they're a very good team and rarely do very good teams trade very good players right before a season where they're trying to reach the Super Bowl and win it.
"But if Brandon Aiyuk wanted to let the 49ers know that all is not well, he is very upset, there is a lot of discontent, a trade request is a great way to say it."
Rapoport added, "Very clearly, Brandon Aiyuk is not thrilled with the way things are going and did one of the couple of things that he can do. Next question, of course, would be, does he stay away from training camp? How upset is he? We will find out."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Steve Young details how 49ers' contract negotiations with Brock Purdy could get awkward
Brock Purdy is poised for a significant payday this offseason, and the San Francisco 49ers are eager to lock in their young quarterback with a long-term deal. However, the real question centers around determining Purdy's worth. Should the 49ers help him reset the market, or can... -
ESPN insider considers veteran QB as 49ers' contingency plan if Purdy negotiations stall
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will be eligible for a contract extension the moment the clock hits zero in Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals. That's when the team's attention is expected to shift toward negotiating a long-term deal with their third-year... -
Will the 49ers move on from Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan? One NFL insider believes they will not
"The season is lost, but the 49ers are still building around coach and QB." Those are the words of The Athletic's Dianna Russini in her latest NFL column, in which she writes that despite the San Francisco 49ers horrid season, the team is sticking to its plan of committing to... -
49ers injuries: Trent Williams may not return this season; Isaac Guerendo won't practice
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided key injury updates ahead of Wednesday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 16 road game against the Miami Dolphins. Two notable absences from Wednesday's practice will be left tackle Trent Williams and running back...