San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is coming to terms with the likelihood that he doesn’t have a long-term future in the Bay Area and may not even have a short-term one either.
Appearing on The Pivot with Ryan Clark, Aiyuk was asked what team he expects to play for in 2024. While he initially said a “Niners uniform,” he then suggested that the Washington Commanders or the Pittsburgh Steelers might have him if the 49ers don’t.
“Probably a Niners uniform. If not a Niners uniform, probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably a Steelers uniform,” Aiyuk said.
Aiyuk recently had another round of contract extension talks with the 49ers after yet another 1,000-yard season for the team. But the 49ers appear reluctant to give him a big money deal and the two sides appear to be at a standstill.
In 2023, Aiyuk had a career-year with 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns as the 49ers reached the Super Bowl.
After their loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, the team worked quickly to sign star running back Christian McCaffrey to one of the biggest deals for a running back ever. But Aiyuk has been left twiddling his thumbs on a deal that expires at the end of 2024.
Maybe the 49ers plan to just tag Aiyuk when his contract runs up rather than reset the market themselves. Or maybe they want to prioritize other players, like star quarterback Brock Purdy.
Has Aiyuk played his final down for the 49ers?