In a surprising move, Brandon Aiyuk is reporting to the San Francisco 49ers' training camp today. Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network were the first to report the news, adding that the 49ers have not held extensive contract talks with the receiver since May.
#49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk is reporting to training camp, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo, despite his desires for a new contract.
The team has not held extensive contract talks since May and because of that, Aiyuk has requested a trade. pic.twitter.com/OsoviQOmBr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2024
Many expected the disgruntled wide receiver to stay away as he continues to campaign for a contract extension. Aiyuk officially requested a trade last week after contract negotiations failed to progress to his satisfaction.
Aiyuk skipped the 49ers' mandatory minicamp last week, incurring approximately $100,000 in fines. Missing training camp days would have added to that number.
Aiyuk's presence doesn't necessarily mean he will participate in practices. Simply reporting and rejoining his teammates is enough to avoid further fines—for now.
Aiyuk is currently scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on a team-exercised fifth-year option, well below the current wide receiver market value, which surged this offseason. Four NFL receivers now have contracts that pay at least $30 million annually, and Aiyuk likely wants to join that group.
San Francisco drafted Aiyuk out of Arizona State with the No. 25 overall pick in 2020. In 16 starts with the 49ers last season, he recorded 75 receptions for a career-high and team-leading 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.
Aiyuk surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in back-to-back seasons, becoming the first 49ers wide receiver to do so since Anquan Boldin in 2013 and 2014, and the first 49ers player to accomplish the feat since tight end George Kittle in 2018 and 2019.