Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation has sparked rampant speculation about his future.
The wide receiver is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Aiyuk appeared to unfollow the San Francisco 49ers on Instagram, leading to questions about offseason negotiations.
On Sunday morning, John Frascella ignited a social media firestorm by claiming that Aiyuk requested a trade. However, no other major outlets or reliable insiders have confirmed the report.
Aiyuk’s agent, Ryan Williams, also denied the trade demand.
“You need better sources,” Williams responded to Frascella.
Another 49ers fan account claimed the 49ers are seeking a first-round pick or a player for Aiyuk. KOA Colorado’s Benjamin Allbright also posted a text exchange with colleague Ryan Edwards saying the Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting to acquire Aiyuk.
Before Williams’ rebuke, Frascella called the Steelers the “most aggressive” team targeting Aiyuk and said the Baltimore Ravens have also expressed interest.
Aiyuk followed a breakout 2022 as a second-team All-Pro last season. He caught 75 of 102 targets for a career-high 1,342 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and the highest success rate (70.5) of any wideout with over 45 targets.
The 26-year-old is currently under contract to play the 2024 campaign on a $14.1 million fifth-year option. San Francisco general manager John Lynch told reporters last month that the team is “actively talking” to Aiyuk about extensions.
Aiyuk told Shannon Sharpe and Johnson that he’s “trying to get what I deserve” with a new contract.
“I feel like this season, this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and as a player,” Aiyuk said. “What I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization. And just the value I hold when I walk in that building.”