On Tuesday, Brandon Aiyuk created a buzz when Mike Garafolo reported that the disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wide receiver had requested a trade. Aiyuk is clearly unsatisfied with how his contract extension negotiations have progressed.
Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option. However, he seeks to become one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers. He is reportedly looking for a deal worth around $30 million annually, similar to the recent four-year, $120 million contract signed by Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Last month, a report emerged that the 49ers' last offer was in the range of $26 million annually. On Tuesday, Garafolo reported that the 49ers have not budged from that number and have not extended another offer to Aiyuk's camp.
In addition to having to blow away the 49ers with a trade offer, any interested team must be willing to meet Aiyuk's contract demands. According to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, at least one other team would be willing to do so (h/t Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports Bay Area for the find).
If you're wondering whether another team would pay Aiyuk what he's asking for... there's at least one that would. A front-office source for a potential trade partner confirmed that to me earlier today.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) July 17, 2024
Silver doesn't specify which team stated this but notes that the source comes from a potential trade partner. Multiple teams have been linked to Aiyuk throughout the offseason, including the Washington Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Tuesday, Josina Anderson noted that the New England Patriots recently reached out to the 49ers to inquire about Aiyuk. However, at the time, San Francisco made it clear that it had no intention of trading the receiver.
I'm told within the last couple of weeks the #Patriots reached out to the #49ers inquiring about WR Brandon Aiyuk again and were told the talented wide receiver was not being traded at the time, per source. pic.twitter.com/QhSmCBm7fW
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 16, 2024
The 49ers' unwillingness to budge from their offer makes some sense. They hold significant leverage in their negotiations with Aiyuk. In addition to the fifth-year option, the team can use the franchise tag to retain his rights in future years.
San Francisco has to be strategic with its contracts. Next year, Brock Purdy will become eligible for an extension, with most believing the quarterback will command one of the biggest contracts in NFL history—possibly the biggest. That will leave less salary cap space for other key roster spots, like wide receiver.
