Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option, well below the market value for a top wide receiver—a market that has exploded this offseason. It is believed that Aiyuk seeks 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.
Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that the 49ers extended an offer that would pay Aiyuk approximately $26 million annually. When Aiyuk requested a trade today, it was assumed that the receiver was unhappy with the progress of the continued negotiations. Apparently, no progress has been made.
"Now, you remember there was a recent conversation between the sides in which I'm told both sides got some things off of their chest to perhaps reset the table for another run at negotiations," Mike Garafolo said on NFL Network's The Insiders. "Well, that didn't happen, and the Niners haven't made an offer, from my understanding, according to sources, since May.
"And so Aiyuk, at this point, with training camp about to start, feeling frustrated, says, 'You know what? I want a trade, then. We had plenty of time to get something done. We're not getting it done. So here we are.'"
The 49ers have been down this road before. Two years ago, wide receiver Deebo Samuel requested a trade, but the two sides eventually came to an agreement on a contract. With training camp set to kick off next week, it remains to be seen if any progress between the 49ers and Aiyuk is made before the veterans report.
During the segment on The Insiders, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared his opinion on Aiyuk's recent trade request.
"Look, it's hard for me to imagine, absent some crazy situation or someone offering them a premium first-round pick, hard to imagine the 49ers actually trade Brandon Aiyuk," Rapoport commented, "mainly because they're a very good team and rarely do very good teams trade very good players right before a season where they're trying to reach the Super Bowl and win it.
"But if Brandon Aiyuk wanted to let the 49ers know that all is not well, he is very upset, there is a lot of discontent, a trade request is a great way to say it."
Rapoport added, "Very clearly, Brandon Aiyuk is not thrilled with the way things are going and did one of the couple of things that he can do. Next question, of course, would be, does he stay away from training camp? How upset is he? We will find out."
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