Brandon Aiyuk’s Future with the 49ers Takes a New Turn
Despite trade rumors swirling around Brandon Aiyuk, the star wide receiver’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers might not be coming to an end just yet. Aiyuk’s future with the reigning NFC champions has been uncertain since he requested a trade after failing to negotiate a long-term contract extension this offseason.
Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the All-Pro receiver. However, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the 49ers have made a renewed effort in recent days to strike a long-term deal with Aiyuk. Pelissero also noted that the situation remains fluid, and teams like the Steelers are still looking to get a trade done.
The #49ers have made a renewed effort in recent days to strike a long-term deal with WR Brandon Aiyuk, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
The situation is fluid and other teams, including Pittsburgh, are still in the mix. But a return to SF appears increasingly possible.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
Aiyuk himself responded vaguely to an Instagram post, casting some doubt on whether there’s as much positive momentum as Pelissero’s report suggests. The Cleveland Browns are also reportedly interested in making a deal for Aiyuk, which didn’t seem to faze wide receiver Amari Cooper in an Instagram post.
The uncertainty surrounding Aiyuk’s future began after the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. His girlfriend posted a message on social media hinting that he might not return. In late March, 49ers general manager John Lynch stated that there were no plans to trade Aiyuk, and the two sides were working toward a contract extension.
However, just a month later, the 49ers drafted receiver Ricky Pearsall, seemingly preparing for the possibility of losing Aiyuk. Mid-June saw Aiyuk tell his former college teammate and current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels that “they don’t want me back,” referring to the 49ers. A month later, Aiyuk formally requested a trade.
Aiyuk began his hold-in strategy in late July to try and get a deal done. He chose to attend meetings but did not participate in practices as training camp began. The New England Patriots were reportedly once in the Aiyuk sweepstakes but dropped out of the race after Aiyuk showed no interest in going to New England.
The Steelers have not engaged in trade conversations with the San Francisco 49ers in the past 24 hours, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. Aiyuk has steadily increased his production every season since he was drafted in 2020. The past two seasons saw him become a key part of San Francisco’s offense with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
This past season was the best of Aiyuk’s career, with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns en route to a second-team All-Pro nod. Whether Aiyuk stays with the 49ers or moves on elsewhere, his impact will be significant. As a route runner, his flexibility and body control are exceptional, and his value comes in his versatility and ability to do virtually anything that’s needed of a top receiver on a team.
Aiyuk isn’t the only top-shelf receiver who’s been holding out from training camp to get a massive payday. The Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb and Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase have also been looking for a long-term contract extension commensurate with their production. With Vikings star Justin Jefferson setting the bar for wide receiver contract extensions with an annual salary of $35 million, other top-end pass catchers are looking to make a similar amount of money.
It seems, at least as of Friday, like Aiyuk has a better chance of doing so in San Francisco than we thought.
