Brandon Aiyuk's future with the San Francisco 49ers remains uncertain. The team has yet to reach a contract extension with their star wide receiver, who, frustrated by the situation, requested a trade before reporting to training camp. Until recently, the 49ers had consistently stated their unwillingness to trade Aiyuk, but the situation has now shifted.
With no resolution in sight, the 49ers have changed their stance and are now open to discussing potential trades with interested teams. San Francisco has even worked out the frameworks for trades with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. In addition to draft compensation, the 49ers reportedly seek a veteran receiver to help fill Aiyuk's potential void. For the Browns, that player is reportedly Amari Cooper, while for the Patriots, it is likely former 49ers receiver Kendrick Bourne.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are also reportedly involved in discussions, and the 49ers have given Aiyuk's agent permission to negotiate with other teams regarding a contract and trade.
Although Aiyuk has been present with his teammates during training camp, he has not participated in practices, effectively "holding in" while the stalemate continues.
Running back Christian McCaffrey discussed the situation with NFL Network's Chris Rose and Steve Wyche after Tuesday's practice and discussed his disgruntled teammate.
When asked how 49ers players are handling the drama, McCaffrey said, "For me, I don't deal with it. That's not part of my job. It's not part of my position. I think, obviously, as a former teammate ... or ... teammate of his in general, any teammate that you have, you love, you respect them, you want the best for them."
McCaffrey's reference to Aiyuk as a "former teammate" was likely an inadvertent slip, but it underscores the level of uncertainty surrounding the situation within the organization.
McCaffrey added, "Obviously, we always wish the best for any of our teammates, whether they're here or not. Obviously, we hope he's here. Just, it's a tough part of the business."
Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on a team-exercised fifth-year option. He seeks the security of a long-term deal and hopes to become one of the NFL's top-paid receivers, whether with the 49ers or potentially elsewhere.
