It now looks like there is a decent chance San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will be traded at some point between now and the start of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rumors have continued to pop up regarding Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco since the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in last month’s Super Bowl.
There is an obvious reason for this. Aiyuk is entering the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. He’s set to earn $14.14 million in 2024. The former first-round pick also wants an extension that will make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.
From a 49ers perspective, they realize just how valuable Aiyuk is to the team. He was brilliant in catching balls from Brock Purdy a season ago.
- Brandon Aiyuk stats (2023): 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, 7 TD
Aiyuk caught 71.4% of the balls thrown in his direction with Purdy boasting an otherworldly 124.0 QB rating when targeting the wide receiver.
At issue here is San Francisco’s salary cap situation and the fact that it has some of the highest-paid players at their respective positions in the game. It’s led to continued trade rumors.
Related: 8 most-likely trade scenarios for Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers will listen to trade offers for Brandon Aiyuk
Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported recently that the 49ers will listen to offers for their star receiver. The report does come with a caveat. It would have to take something “monumental” for the defending NFC Champs to move the 26-year-old wide receiver.
It’s hard to define what monumental means in this regard. It was noted earlier in the week that San Francisco had demanded the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick (17th overall) and veteran wide receiver Zay Jones for Aiyuk. Jacksonville was not willing to pull the trigger.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have also been linked to Aiyuk since they traded away Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson earlier in the offseason.
Trade talks are complicated due to Aiyuk’s contract demands. Not only would an acquiring team have to give up substantial compensation to San Francisco, but it would also have to pay Aiyuk big time. He’s likely looking at well north of $25 million annually on a long-term contract.