Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure in San Francisco may not be coming to an end just yet.
Aiyuk’s future with the defending NFC champions has been in limbo since he requested a trade after failing to negotiate a long-term contract this offseason. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest in acquiring the All-Pro receiver.
Then came Friday, when NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the 49ers “made a renewed effort in recent days to reach a long-term deal” with Aiyuk. He also said the situation is fluid and teams like the Steelers are still trying to make a trade. Aiyuk is in the final year of his rookie contract, which will see the Niners pay him $14.1 million.
THE #49ers we’ve made a renewed effort in recent days to reach a long-term deal with WR Brandon Aiyuk, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
The situation is fluid and other teams, including Pittsburgh, are still in contention. But a return to FC seems increasingly possible.
-Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 9, 2024
Aiyuk himself responded vaguely to an Instagram post with Pelissero’s report, casting at least some doubt on whether there is as much positive momentum as Pelissero makes it out to be.
Aiyuk’s future with the franchise began to look cloudy after the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Aiyuk’s girlfriend posted a message on social media hinting that he might not return.
In late March, 49ers general manager John Lynch made it known that there were no plans to trade Aiyuk and that both sides were working toward a contract extension. Just a month later, the 49ers drafted receiver Ricky Pearsall, seemingly preparing for the possibility of losing Aiyuk.
In mid-June, Aiyuk told his former college teammate and current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels that “they don’t want me back,” with “they” referring to the Niners. A month later, Aiyuk formally requested a trade.
Aiyuk began his containment strategy in late July to try to reach a deal. He chose to attend meetings, but did not participate in practices when training camp began.
The New England Patriots were considered another team in the Aiyuk sweepstakes. But they recently dropped out of the race after Aiyuk showed no interest in going to New England. Likewise, the Steelers have not engaged in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers in the past 24 hours, according to Dianna Russini, from Atlético.
Aiyuk has steadily increased his production each season since being drafted in 2020. Over the past two seasons, he has been a key part of San Francisco’s offense with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Last season was the best of Aiyuk’s young career. He had a career-high 1,342 receiving yards along with seven touchdowns en route to a second-team All-Pro nod.
Whether Aiyuk stays with the 49ers or goes elsewhere, his impact will be significant. As a route runner, his flexibility and body control are things that stand out when comparing him to others at the position. His 17.8 yards per catch led the NFL last season, and the outside routes are especially where his speed and athleticism can be showcased. His value is in his versatility and malleability to do just about anything that is required of a wide receiver on a team.
Aiyuk isn’t the only blue-chip receiver holding out through training camp for a big payday. Ceedee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys and Ja’marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals are also seeking long-term contract extensions commensurate with their production. With Vikings star Justin Jefferson setting the standard for wide receiver contract extensions with a $35 million annual salary, other top pass catchers are looking to make a similar amount of money.
It appears, at least on Friday, that Aiyuk has a better chance of making it in San Francisco than we thought.
