The San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are in the midst of contract and trade negotiations that have taken fans on a months-long roller coaster ride. It all started the day after the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII when Aiyuk and his girlfriend insinuated that the Second Team All-Pro wide receiver would not play for the 49ers without a new contract.
The weeks that followed the posting of the video in which they delivered that message were filled with rumors of tense negotiations and possible trade destinations. Recent reports have revealed that multiple teams were willing to part with their first-round pick and more in a package for Aiyuk leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft.
The San Francisco 49ers Refused to Trade Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
Despite trade offers from multiple teams, the 49ers did not feel like any packages were worth parting with the Second Team All-Pro wide receiver. The NFL offseason continued, as did contract negotiations with Aiyuk.
Or so fans thought. For what it is worth, Aiyuk himself said that there was a long period of time during which he heard nothing from the team. These comments were also mixed in with others that listed teams that he would not mind playing for in 2024. While San Francisco was among these teams, he also listed the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the team participated in OTA’s and mandatory minicamp, Aiyuk held out while negotiations continued. However, he showed up to training camp in order to avoid the NFL’s mandatory $50,000 daily fine for players holding out. Despite being present at camp, Aiyuk is not participating in practice.
It was around this time that he also formerly requested a trade away from San Francisco.
The San Francisco 49ers Have Renewed Contract Negotiations Efforts Amidst Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors
In recent days, the 49ers have granted Aiyuk permission to negotiate contracts with other teams. The New England Patriots were willing to give Aiyuk over $30 million a year, but he turned down their offer due to their questionable quarterback situation.
Other teams remain interested, but there are serious questions regarding how much Aiyuk will make and what potential trade partners are willing to give up.
Earlier this evening, it was reported that San Francisco has renewed its efforts to coming to an agreement with Aiyuk themselves. After all, both sides want the wide receiver to remain in the Bay Area.
Aiyuk, however, does not seem to be impressed with the efforts.
Brandon Aiyuk Sends a Blunt Message to the San Francisco 49ers
Whenever a story about a contract negotiation breaks, it comes from either the team or the player involved. This report obviously came from the 49ers because Aiyuk was not overly thrilled with it.
Brandon Aiyuk weighs in on the latest developments, via an Instagram comment: pic.twitter.com/LQoVDm5kEg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 9, 2024
As one can see, Aiyuk’s message to the 49ers is clear: give him the extension that he wants or pick one of the trade offers they have been given.
While it is too early to tell how this saga will finally end, it does seem like a resolution is coming soon.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!
