Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers are engaged in contract extension talks that seem to be going nowhere.
Aiyuk, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and wants to become one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. It has led to widespread trade rumors leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft in less than two weeks.
Recent actions from Aiyuk on social media might point in the direction of things taking a turn behind the scenes.
Per Clayton Holloway of NFL Media, Aiyuk has unfollowed the 49ers on Instagram.
That’s not really too subtle right there. It could also be a mere negotiating ploy by Aiyuk and his reps at Athletes First. Either way, it’s a really interesting development as the draft approaches.
- Brandon Aiyuk stats (2023): 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, 7 TD
As you can see, Aiyuk is extremely important to the 49ers’ success on offense. In helping lead San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance last season, the former first-round pick from Arizona State was best friends with quarterback Brock Purdy. In fact, the youngster boasted a 124.0 QB rating when targeting his favorite wide receiver.
At issue here is Aiyuk’s contract demands coupled with San Francisco’s salary cap situation. Could things get to a point that a trade happens before or during the annual draft in less than two weeks? It’s a real possibility.
Aiyuk has been linked to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers in trade rumors recently.