Why Aiyuk’s reported trade request could deviate from recent 49ers history originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Controversial contract situations are nothing new for the 49ers.
In fact, disgruntled or confused star players have been a consistent part of the 49ers’ summer schedule for the past five years. Tight end George Kittle in 2020. Linebacker Fred Warner in 2021. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel in 2022. Edge rusher Nick Bosa last summer.
This time, it’s wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s turn to experience how the 49ers do business.
The saga took its first significant turn on Tuesday, a week before the veterans were scheduled to report to Santa Clara for training camp. Aiyuk requested a tradeNFL Media’s Mike Garafolo first reported, citing a source.
The 49ers “have not been willing to begin negotiations since May,” according to Garafolo.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that the 49ers “no intention” to trade Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is represented by agent Ryan Williams, who is also close friends with 49ers general manager John Lynch.
Aiyuk recently said in Podcast “The Pivô” that he believed he was close to signing a contract extension early in the offseason.
Then apparently the wide receiver market changed and, so did Aiyuk’s perceived value.
Detroit receiver Amon-Ra St. signed a four-year contract worth US$120 million extension in April. Miami’s Jaylen Waddle signed a three-year, $85 million extension in May.
While it’s certainly not a shocking development, it signals that Aiyuk and Williams believe things are getting serious enough to require somewhat drastic measures.
Lynch was transparent in the early stages of the offseason, revealing that teams contacted him to inquire about Aiyuk’s availability.
The 49ers closed the door in any commercial discussions after the first day of the NFL Draft, Lynch said.
The 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. They also signed receiver Jauan Jennings to a two-year contract extension and selected Arizona speedster Jacob Cowing in the fourth round of the draft.
“We’re happy with our wide receiver group,” Lynch said in late April. “Actually, (we are) more than happy. We’re really excited about this and to have added Ricky to this group and even made it stronger.”
Aiyuk has led the 49ers in receptions and yards the past two seasons. In those two seasons, Aiyuk had 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Two years ago, when Samuel requested a trade, Lynch said, “I would be a fool to trade him.”
Perhaps Lynch believes the same applies to Aiyuk. The 49ers have a big contract looming a year from now for quarterback Brock Purdy, so There are salary cap implications why is it reasonable for San Francisco to refuse to meet Aiyuk’s demands.
But there’s also no doubt that the 49ers are a better team in 2024 with Aiyuk — unhappy or not — on the roster.
So while it’s hard to believe Aiyuk will go anywhere this season, the 49ers need to determine if he and a market-value contract are the best thing for the organization’s future.
