Aiyuk is currently under contract, set to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option. However, he is seeking a contract extension that would position him among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. This presents a significant challenge for the 49ers, who must carefully manage their salary cap, especially with the expectation that quarterback Brock Purdy will soon demand one of the largest contracts in NFL history.
Aiyuk added fuel to the fire this offseason by posting a video of a conversation with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, a former Arizona State teammate, in which he sai, "They said they don't want me back ... I swear."
He also appeared on "The Pivot" podcast, where he publicly expressed frustration over what he perceived as disrespect during the negotiation process, with some details seemingly leaked.
"It is what it is. It's a dirty game," Aiyuk remarked.
The receiver requested a trade before reporting to training camp and has yet to practice with his teammates or play in the preseason, insisting he won't take the field without a new deal.
One NFL agent criticized Aiyuk's approach to the situation (h/t Michael Gallagher of Yardbarker for the find).
"He's handled it horribly, but sometimes you must take your grievances public," the unnamed agent told Standig. "Silly, yes, but taking the team name or logo off social media accounts can cause a needed stir."
Another agent mentioned that such public displays often do more harm than good in negotiations.
However, not all the agents Standig spoke with were critical of Aiyuk's actions. One agent commented, "If you have leverage, do what you want to do. You're your own person. You can hurt the cause, but I don't think (Aiyuk) is out of pocket with what he's done."
Another unnamed agent suggested that keeping things private, as tackle Trent Williams has done in his own contract standoff with the 49ers, offers a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome. Still, "if you've exhausted every other avenue, it can be worth trying to make the situation so uncomfortable for the club that they conclude that giving the player what he wants or moving the player is the best option for them."
This agent also contrasted Aiyuk's approach with that of Williams, who has remained silent.
"Whichever is rewarded by San Francisco is probably the strategy that good agents will employ with them moving forward," the agent added.
The prolonged drama has taken a toll on the 49ers' fan base, who are eager for a resolution. Fans simply want to see their team united and focused on the upcoming season and a push for the Super Bowl.
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