Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh claims to have recently spoken to Brandon Aiyuk, stating that the star player has no desire to leave the San Francisco 49ers.
Aiyuk and the 49ers are currently negotiating a contract extension, aiming to finalize a new deal. Of course, that hasn't prevented significant media speculation surrounding Aiyuk's future, with many wondering if the delay might hint at a potential trade.
Well-informed 49ers fans know that the team typically finalizes its significant contract extensions closer to training camp, as seen with George Kittle in 2020, Fred Warner in 2021, and Deebo Samuel in 2022. Last year, negotiations with Nick Bosa concluded just days before Week 1.
"I'm proud of our record of getting the guys we want to get done, done," general manager John Lynch told reporters on Monday. "But I'm right there with everyone else. I'd sure like it to happen sooner."
During an interview with Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game, Houshmandzadeh speculated that Aiyuk might be open to accepting an offer of around $27 million annually, emphasizing that this was just his opinion and not something the 49ers receiver told him.
However, according to 95.7 The Game, Aiyuk did tell Houshmandzadeh his preference for the future.
"I mean, I've talked to B.A.," Houshmandzadeh reportedly stated. "He don't want to leave San Francisco. He just wants to get paid. Just very simple. He just wants to be rewarded for the work that he's put in."
Lynch has been vocal about his desire to retain Aiyuk in red and gold for the long term, ensuring the receiver knows their intentions.
"I've communicated on a couple of occasions, on many occasions, our wish," Lynch said. "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
When asked if there's a chance Aiyuk might not be on the 49ers' roster on Friday morning, after the first round of the draft, Lynch responded, "I wouldn't anticipate that."