Just when you thought the contract discussions surrounding Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers couldn't get any more strange, the All-Pro wide receiver was a guest on "The Pivot Podcast" with Ryan Clark, of ESPN. Aiyuk talked about several things, including what the 49ers told him during negotiations.
He also mentioned that he is enjoying the attention, saying, "For the past four years, I took a back seat to this guy or this guy. Now I'm in a position that when I wake up in the morning and turn on the TV, they're talking about me. When I get on my phone, they're talking about me. I'm enjoying it. This is the time for me."
One of the more interesting things Aiyuk discussed was his prediction of where he would play in 2024. When asked what jersey he would wear this coming season, Aiyuk did not steer clear of controversy when he named three teams, including the 49ers. "If I were to take a guess, probably a Niner uniform," Aiyuk said. "Probably a Niner uniform. If not a Niners uniform, probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably a [Pittsburgh] Steelers uniform."
It's interesting that Aiyuk named three teams. You expect him to name the 49ers since that is the most likely outcome. But naming the other two teams shows that Aiyuk is playing the game, and is well aware that his words are being closely examined.
Mentioning the Washington Commanders is no surprise. He's good friends with Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Also, Adam Peters, who left the 49ers front office to become the Washington GM, is there. And the 49ers were rumored to have spoken with the Commanders about a trade involving Aiyuk. NFL insider, Adam Schefter, said earlier this week that there were discussions with the 49ers and the Commanders about the receiver (around the draft), but Washington decided to not do the deal.
On Friday, Aiyuk was live on Instagram as he was heading into the Levi's Stadium gates. In the video, Aiyuk is wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates hat, which fueled speculation about a potential trade with the Steelers. There have been reports (mostly from Pittsburgh reporters) linking Aiyuk and the Steelers throughout the offseason.
As of Saturday morning, there's been no explanation as to why Aiyuk was at the 49ers headquarters on Friday.
It's still unlikely that the 49ers trade Aiyuk before the 2024 season. If the two sides don't agree to an extension, Aiyuk will play on the fifth year of his rookie deal, and become a free agent in 2025. Of course, the 49ers could franchise tag Aiyuk at that point, and have him play on that one-year tag, or they could trade him, or work out a new deal.
But it's interesting, nonetheless, that the star wide receiver would name the two teams to which he's been rumored. Clearly, Aiyuk is playing the game. And he seems to be enjoying it.
Watch the full interview with Aiyuk: