Brandon Aiyuk finally requests a trade from the 49ers after months of contract tussle

Despite Aiyuk's request, the 49ers do not seem inclined towards listening to trade offers for him.

Brandon Aiyuk finally requests a trade from the 49ers after months of contract tussle

Brandon Aiyuk (via IMAGO)

After months of frustrating talks and multiple rounds of negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk has dropped the hammer. The wide receiver has requested to be traded from the team as per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. He is expected to play the 2024-25 season on the fifth-year option of his contract and is set to be paid $14.1 million.

Despite Garafolo stating that Brandon Aiyuk wants a change of scenario, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that the San Francisco 49ers are not interested in paying heed to his request. Teams across the league have attempted to approach the Niners in hopes of offering deals in exchange for the wide receiver, however, they have made it clear that there is “no intention” on their part to entertain any trade possibilities.

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The extension talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers had been progressing at a snail’s pace. In May, the discussions reached an impasse with neither side willing to compromise on their demands. The wide receiver has since then made it crystal clear that he does not intend to settle for a dime less than what he perceives his value to be in the current market.

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Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to get his way with the San Francisco 49ers

Things got complicated for the team after Justin Jefferson signed his latest deal with the Vikings. Last season, Brandon Aiyuk had a better year statistically than Jefferson, which is why he expects to be paid in the same range as him. The 49ers’ receiver understands that he has all the leverage he needs right now.

San Francisco 49ers need to sign Brandon Aiyuk as soon as possible to confirm Super Bowl aspirations
The San Francisco 49ers’ odds of making it to the Super Bowl are reduced without Brandon Aiyuk in their corner (image via Imago)

After all, Aiyuk had the best numbers for a receiver on his team and beat Deebo Samuel in the process of getting there. In an attempt to force the hands of GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan, Aiyuk claimed that the organization told him they no longer wanted him. He said this via a FaceTime call to Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels. This gave rise to the speculation that Aiyuk was interested in going to Washington.

While the 49ers dismissed his comments and reiterated their commitment to paying him well and keeping him on their roster, there has not been much development since. Requesting a trade is the last arrow in Brandon Aiyuk’s quiver. While his request may seem to be serious and is likely to put the notion out there that he intends to move on, if the 49ers can regroup and put together a deal that he is satisfied with, the wide receiver will change his mind within no time.

Besides, the 49ers had anticipated the contract situation with Aiyuk could go either way. This is why the team drafted wideout Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 Draft. If Aiyuk leaves, he will no doubt leave a void that will be hard to fill but the 49ers would view this as an opportunity to allow other players to step up. The 49ers are expected to open training camp next week, it will be interesting to see how this situation develops in that gap.

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