After enjoying a career-year in 2023 and proving to have a vital role in the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl run, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk tried to get a new contract with the team. Having failed there, he now wants a trade – but the 49ers don’t seem intent on giving him one.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the 49ers have “no intention” of granting Aiyuk his request and have refused to take calls to the effect. Taking to X, he explained that the 49ers have dealt with similar situations in the past and went on to reach new deals with those players.
“In the past, the 49ers have had players such as Deebo Samuel and Robbie Gould also request trades before reaching deals with both players. The 49ers intend to keep Brandon Ayiuk, not trade him,” Schefter wrote.
Aiyuk had 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He had another nine receptions for nearly 150 yards in the 49ers’ three postseason games.
But in the months that followed, the 49ers gave a big contract extension to star running back Christian McCaffrey first while Aiyuk was left twiddling his thumbs.
In recent weeks, Aiyuk has gone on podcasts and declared that he can see himself playing for one of several other teams if things don’t work out with the 49ers.
It takes two to tango though…
Related: Breaking: Brandon Aiyuk Officially Requests Trade From 49ers