The wide receiver market has surged this offseason, with four receivers now set to earn $30 million or more annually. Aiyuk, coming off back-to-back seasons surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, is likely seeking a deal in that range.
During an appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show," Florio revealed that Aiyuk's agent had been given permission to explore other teams' interest before the draft as negotiations with the 49ers stalled.
According to Florio, several teams were willing to meet Aiyuk's demands, initially set at $28 million a year, before the market changed dramatically. They just couldn't agree with the 49ers on compensation.
"I'm told there were five teams that were ready to go and give him what he wanted, what the 49ers wouldn't give him," Florio stated. "But they couldn't work out a deal with the 49ers for a trade. And from the 49ers' perspective, this is where it gets a little screwy. You've got five other teams that were willing to pay him what he wants and give you something to get him. Why won't you just pay him what he wants?
"So he's taken the stand now. He's asked to be traded. We'll see if he shows up for camp."
In 2023, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, leading the team in receiving yards for the second consecutive season. His emergence as the team's top wideout has made him a vital part of the 49ers' offense.
"I think one thing we can all agree on: $14.1 million is criminally low for a guy who was a second-team All-Pro, second in the league in yards per target," Florio continued. "He had 1,300-plus receiving yards on only 105 targets last year. Imagine what he could do if he was getting the ball thrown his way 180 times, like CeeDee Lamb."
As fans await news of a resolution between player and team, many analysts are starting to wonder if the 49ers' championship aspirations might hinge on making Aiyuk happy.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: More two TE sets with Jake Tonges? Will Trent Williams play Saturday? What are the rules for signing players from teams not in postseason?
This is a big week for the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. The winner of the game will be crowned NFC West Champions and will have home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. So it's a huge game. For the 49ers, it's... -
Dolphins request interviews with three 49ers executives for GM opening
The Miami Dolphins are searching for a new general manager and have requested interviews with three San Francisco 49ers executives serving under general manager John Lynch: vice president of player personnel Tariq Ahmad, director of scouting and football operations Josh... -
San Francisco 49ers opponents for 2026 season announced
The 2026 opponents for the San Francisco 49ers have been announced. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West and will play a third-place schedule next season. The 49ers will have nine home games and will go on the road eight times. Here are the 2026 opponents: Home Las Vegas... -
49ers will travel to Philadelphia for NFC Wild Card Game on Jan 11
The San Francisco 49ers will travel to Philadelphia to play the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles next weekend in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. The 49ers are the 6th seed in the NFC, which means they will play a much tougher opening round game than if they had...