San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reported for training camp but has no plans to practice. After requesting a trade last week, he is "holding in" as a negotiating tactic for a contract extension.
Aiyuk aims to become one of the NFL's highest-paid wideouts, and he received a significant nod on Wednesday, indicating that his NFL peers consider him one of the league's best players.
NFL Network continues its NFL Top 100 Players of 2024 countdown, and Aiyuk made his debut on the list, coming in at No. 66.
66. Brandon Aiyuk #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/ZhyqOTJ8dd
— NFL (@NFL) July 25, 2024
"After his best season, Aiyuk appears on the Top 100 list for the first time," wrote Christian Gonzales of NFL Media. "He led the talented 49ers offense with 1,342 receiving yards, which was seventh in the league. Aiyuk also ranked second amongst his peers with 17.9 yards per reception. Having unsuccessfully sought an extension, Aiyuk has requested to be traded. Though his future in the Bay Area is uncertain, his past season drew high ranks from his peers."
San Francisco drafted Aiyuk out of Arizona State with the No. 25 overall pick in 2020. In addition to his 1,342 receiving yards last season, Aiyuk registered 75 receptions and seven touchdowns in 16 starts, playing 82 percent of the offensive snaps, per Pro Football Reference. It was his second consecutive season leading the 49ers in receiving yards and surpassing the 1,000-receiving-yard mark.
NFL Network began unveiling the rankings this week. The NFL Top 100 is unique because it is voted on by the players, making it a tremendous honor to be included. The ranking is based on player performance during the previous year and anticipated performance in the upcoming season. This year's edition marks the league's 14th.
Aiyuk is the second 49ers player revealed in this year's edition of the NFL Top 100 countdown. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw came in at No. 76. Expect to see several more 49ers players' names revealed as the NFL continues its countdown toward the league's top players.
