The off-season drama between the 49ers and star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues, as Aiyuk has officially requested a trade, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. This comes after Aiyuk and the 49ers brass met a few weeks ago in what seemed like a forward step in negotiations.
Aiyuk saw Deebo Samuel get a contract extension a couple years ago after requesting a trade and likely wants the same to happen here. But, the wide receiver market is booming right now and Aiyuk’s asking price is probably quite high after a strong 2023 season where he helped the team get to the Super Bowl.
The 49ers have dragged contract extensions out into training camp with Samuel, George Kittle and Nick Bosa recently getting their contracts, but not easily. The 49ers could play hardball here since Aiyuk is under contract for this season, but they also want to keep him happy.
Dates the #49ers agreed to contracts for other big stars entering the last year of their deals:
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) July 16, 2024
TE George Kittle — Aug. 13, 2020
LB Fred Warner — July 21, 2021
WR Deebo Samuel — July 31, 2022
DE Nick Bosa — Sept. 6, 2023
In the end, I just don’t see the 49ers being able to make a deal for Aiyuk at this point in the season that would be worth it for them. They are still the odds-on-favorite to get to the Super Bowl in the NFC and Aiyuk is a huge part of that. They want to keep him, but don’t want to pay top price. I expect a deal gets done and if not, Aiyuk will either cave and play on his contract or sit out, which has not been a winning strategy in the long run.
But, if somehow the 49ers do move Aiyuk, there are plenty of teams that would want him. The Commanders, Patriots and Steelers appear to be most in need, but also aren’t looking to give up picks and pay Aiyuk a top-5 wide receiver salary on top of that. This all appears to be about getting more out of the 49ers than actually getting moved, but if a team is truly willing to give up a first and pay Aiyuk, there is a chance.
Update: In news we already knew, the 49ers don’t plan on trading Aiyuk.
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
Update: Holding out would be costly for Aiyuk.It’s not something we see very often anymore, but we have seen players “hold-in,” by showing up to training camp, but sitting out of practices due to minor “injuries.” That would likely be his next course of action if this move doesn’t pan out.
Regarding Aiyuk and the #49ers– the leverage is held by SF in a case like this. 5th year option players are subject to fines for missing camp as well as preseason games. I believe its $40K per day and about $785K for each preseason game.
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) July 16, 2024