The Bradon Aiyuk saga in San Francisco has reached a tipping point.
After the All-Pro wide receiver and the San Francisco 49ers had a number of unsuccessful conversations on a contract extension this off-season, Aiyuk officially requested a trade on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The request comes just one week before most NFL veterans report to training camp.
Aiyuk is scheduled to play this season on a fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million, but has stated that he wants a long-term contract that would pay him significantly more money based on his production so far in his career. Several of the top receivers have contracts in the $25-million-a-year range.
The 26-year-old receiver was a key part of San Francisco’s offence last season as he formed a great connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk had 75 catches and a career-high 1,375 yards last season with seven touchdowns as he earned second-team All-Pro honours.
Aiyuk has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 TDs in four seasons since being drafted 25th overall in 2020 but has taken off since Purdy became quarterback.
The 49ers were the NFC representative in the 2024 Super Bowl, but lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the big game.
— With files from the Associated Press
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly requested a trade from the team, according to a recent report. This news comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts, as Aiyuk has been a key player for the 49ers since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Aiyuk burst onto the scene in his rookie season, quickly becoming one of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite targets. He finished the 2020 season with 60 receptions for 748 yards and five touchdowns, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. Aiyuk’s performance helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship game that year, where they ultimately fell to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite his success in his rookie season, Aiyuk’s production has dipped in 2021. Through six games, he has just 14 receptions for 143 yards and one touchdown. This drop in production has led to speculation that Aiyuk may be unhappy with his role on the team or with the coaching staff.
It is unclear what specifically prompted Aiyuk to request a trade, but it is possible that he is seeking a fresh start with a new team. The 49ers have a crowded receiving corps, with players like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle commanding a significant number of targets. Aiyuk may feel that he would have a better opportunity to showcase his talents and contribute to a team elsewhere.
If Aiyuk is indeed traded, it will be interesting to see which teams show interest in acquiring him. Despite his struggles this season, Aiyuk has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker in the right system. Teams in need of a talented young receiver could see Aiyuk as a valuable asset and be willing to make a trade to bring him on board.
As of now, the 49ers have not commented on Aiyuk’s reported trade request. It remains to be seen whether they will grant his request or if they will try to work things out with him to keep him on the team. In the meantime, fans will have to wait and see how this situation unfolds and what it means for Aiyuk’s future in the NFL.