Martin believes that trading Aiyuk would be a significant mistake.
She points out that the 49ers initially held all the leverage in negotiations, with the ability to present Aiyuk's camp with a "take it or leave it" offer. Aiyuk is under contract for 2024, and the 49ers could use the franchise tag to retain his rights for the following two years. San Francisco seemingly took this approach earlier in the offseason, reportedly offering Aiyuk a deal worth $26 million annually. The team has not budged since.
However, this week has shown that Aiyuk is not without power. After requesting a trade, he reported to training camp but refused to practice. Tensions have risen, and the 49ers now seem ready to do something they insisted they would never do all offseason—trade their star wideout.
"When you look at the San Francisco 49ers, this whole scenario looks different if they had won the Super Bowl," Martin said on ESPN's Get Up, "because now you're in a situation where they won the Super Bowl. You [can] say, 'Okay, Brandon Aiyuk wants to get paid. Okay, we did what we had to do. Go get your money elsewhere.'"
The 49ers came close to winning the Super Bowl but fell short for the second time under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"You can't really justify dismantling a roster that looks championship-ready when you haven't won a championship," Martin continued. "What do you tell your fanbase?"
Martin also notes that tackle Trent Williams is unhappy and seeking a restructured deal, and the 49ers are preparing for next year when they must make quarterback Brock Purdy one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.
She suggests a better option for the 49ers would be to tell Aiyuk, "Let's get something done just for this year, and then we'll figure out the rest later."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers facing harsh reality as NFL execs label Brandon Aiyuk 'untradeable'
There appears to be no trade market for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, despite the team's hope that interest could eventually develop. With rival teams believing the 49ers will ultimately release the disgruntled receiver, there is little incentive to surrender... -
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk facing arrest warrant after viral video
According to the New York Post's Edward Lewis, an arrest warrant has been issued for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is wanted on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed. Aiyuk made headlines in December 2025 after posting a widely criticized video... -
Dez Bryant: Arrest warrant for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk an attempt to 'smear his name'
An arrest warrant has been issued for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed after he posted a video in December showing himself driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph near Levi's Stadium. The incident occurred during a... -
Jayden Daniels weighs in on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's uncertain future
Speculation continues to surround San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the possibility of a reunion with his friend and former college quarterback, Jayden Daniels, now with the Washington Commanders. Washington has frequently been mentioned as a potential...