The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most talked -about teams in the NFL this offseason. Of course, a great deal of this has to do with the fact that they are locked in tense contract negotiations with one of their two All-Pro wide receivers. Brandon Aiyuk, who had 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season, has been wanting a contract extension since San Francisco lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Throughout the course of the offseason, there have been trade rumors to various teams revolving around the former 2020 first-round draft pick. These rumors intensified earlier this summer when Aiyuk told Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels that the 49ers informed him that they did not want him anymore.
Aiyuk also stirred up the rumor mill by publicly stating that he could see himself playing for the Commanders, Pittsburgh Pirates, or the 49ers in 2024.
Despite these comments, no movement was made in contract negotiations or trade talks.
San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk Has Formerly Requested a Trade
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Despite the comments he made during the offseason, Aiyuk and his representatives continued to negotiate a contract extension with the 49ers. San Francisco has reportedly offered up to $26 million per year, but their star wide receiver is holding out for $30 million.
Of course, Aiyuk skipped San Francisco’s voluntary workouts and mandatory minicamp due to the ongoing talks. However, he did show up for training camp to avoid being fined. Even though he is there, Aiyuk is not practicing.
Since camp started, he also has formerly requested a trade from the 49ers. In recent days, San Francisco has agreed to look for a trade partner with several teams emerging as potential destinations.
San Francisco 49ers Star Running Back Christian McCaffrey Refers to Brandon Aiyuk as a “Former Teammate”
During an interview at training camp practice on Tuesday, star running back Christian McCaffrey was asked about the Aiyuk situation. During his answer, he accidentally referred to the wide receiver as his “former teammate:”
👀 Christian McCaffrey refers to Brandon Aiyuk as a “former teammate”
h/t @StatsOnFire #49ers pic.twitter.com/RUtiFjt6aU
— Kevin Krueger (@kevinkruegs) August 6, 2024
“Obviously, as a former teammate, uh, teammate, any teammate you have, you love and respect them,” McCaffrey said in the clip.
Whether it was mistake or not, one thing is for sure: the All-Pro running back seems to be mentally preparing for life without Aiyuk.
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