The San Francisco 49ers players are beginning training camp, just like every other team in the NFL. However, they are doing so without Second Team All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The fifth-year veteran has made it clear that he wants a new contract before he steps foot in the 49ers’ facilities. The uncertainty surrounding his future with team started the day after the Super Bowl, all the way back in February, when his girlfriend posted a video on social media saying they did not know if they would be back at Levi’s Stadium in 2024.
The months that followed brought many trade rumors, with many thinking the star wide receiver would be moved to a different team during the 2024 NFL Draft. Of course, that did not happen. Negotiations continued, though they did not progress the way that Aiyuk wanted them to.
San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk Requested a Trade
Earlier this month, the disgruntled Aiyuk officially requested a trade from San Francisco. Despite being under contract on his fifth-year option, the All-Pro has no intention of playing for the 49ers until he gets a new contract.
Interestingly, it was also reported earlier this month that there were no less than five teams will to both trade for Aiyuk and pay him what he wants prior to the 2024 NFL Draft. San Francisco, however, believed they could still work out a deal with their prized wide receiver.
Up to this point, they were wrong. The 49ers are not obligated to honor Aiyuk’s trade request. However, the return for the star wide receiver is likely to be less than it would have been if they had traded him on draft night.
The best-case scenario for both sides is to come to an agreement, something All-Pro tight end George Kittle is still hopeful for.
San Francisco 49ers Tight End George Kittle Supports Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
Kittle has made not been shy about his opinion regarding Aiyuk’s contract situation with the 49ers. He doubled down on his support for his teammate on The Insiders, saying:
“Aiyuk’s just a phenomenal football player. He does everything you want him to do as a wide receiver, including taking touchdowns form me once in a while, which I’m totally OK with. But he’s just such a dynamic receiver and he’s just such a very important part of our offense.
“So, yes, getting Brandon Aiyuk the money that he deserves — I hope nothing for the best for him. There’s, unfortunately, not much that I can do to help put with that, except just cheer him on from the sidelines and hopefully we figure something out because he’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve had.
“When there’s a receiver who can run every single route, catch all the tough footballs, be open at the right time, but also grinds in the run game, blocks everybody you want him to — you see all his highlights in the run game. When you have a guy that does all that type of stuff and just sets the tempo and sets the tone — those guys are really important to your offense.”
The 49ers have no shortage of star power on their roster, especially on offense. However, it sounds like Kittle believes that everyone on the team will be better off if the front office is able to keep Aiyuk instead of trading him.
How this long-running saga will end is anyone’s guess, but it sure sounds like, regardless of the outcome, the players have Aiyuk’s back.
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1 Comment
OK, Kittle! Give Aiyuk some of your money if you really want him to stay! Greed will destroy your team (and, well, all team sports).