In the past two seasons, Brandon Aiyuk has been showing what he can do if he is featured more in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense.
With injuries to Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, Aiyuk stepped up and showed he could operate as the 49ers’ No. 1 option in the passing game.
In 2023, Aiyuk continued his rise as a star as he displayed more fine-tuned route running and a knack for making plays in crucial moments.
In 16 regular-season games, the wideout recorded 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Aiyuk is eligible for a contract extension but he and the 49ers have yet to come close to a deal.
It appears that Aiyuk hasn’t asked out yet, but there’s a standstill in negotiations, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.
“Brandon Aiyuk could still get traded; this does not mean he won’t. #49ers GM John Lynch has made it clear they want to keep him long-term. Aiyuk has implied he deserves to get paid as a top receiver and has hinted he’s getting frustrated. There’s a gap they’d have to bridge for this all to get resolved, but as of today, Aiyuk has not told the 49ers he wants out. That’s where things stand,” Meirov reported.
Brandon Aiyuk could still get traded; this does not mean he won't. #49ers GM John Lynch has made it clear they want to keep him long-term. Aiyuk has implied he deserves to get paid as a top receiver and has hinted he's getting frustrated.
There's a gap they'd have to bridge for… https://t.co/RbZEfODAPL
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 14, 2024
While Aiyuk hasn’t asked to be traded, the longer the situation drags out makes it more likely for him to do so.
Losing Aiyuk would be a huge blow to the San Francisco roster, though general manager John Lynch appears ready to take negotiations deep into the offseason if need be.
NEXT: Brandon Aiyuk’s Agent Reacts To Rumored Trade Request