As the NFL free agent market begins to dry up a bit, the question of where star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will be playing next season has become a real topic of discussion around the league.
Aiyuk, who has been a key figure in the San Francisco 49ers offense, finds himself in an interesting position due to his frustrating contract situation.
Brandon Aiyuk’s girlfriend and another close friend imply he might not be with the 49ers next season 👀
The 49ers picked up Aiyuk’s fifth-year option for 2024 last offseason at $14.12M pic.twitter.com/3cfiUXKatt
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 13, 2024
With just one more year left on his current deal with the 49ers, speculation about a potential trade has been swirling.
The idea of trading Aiyuk was once thought to be highly improbable – but is said to be becoming more and more likely by the day.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano is among many NFL reporters who view Aiyuk as a likely “trade candidate” if contract negotiations continue to play out as poorly as they have.
“It appears they are quite serious about trading him,” Graziano reported.
Dan Graziano believes that 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk is a potential trade candidate if they fail to get a long-term deal done.
“The 49ers would like to get Brandon Aiyuk's contract extended, but he's also a trade candidate if they can't get something done#brandonaiyuk #49ers pic.twitter.com/fUab4kPb7l
— The House Call Sports (@TheHouseCallPod) March 3, 2024
What would San Francisco be looking for in return for the ultra-talented Aiyuk???
Well, thanks to Mia O’Brien of 1010XL in Jacksonville, details of their asking price have emerged.
According to O’Brien, the 49ers asked the Jaguars for their #17 overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft, along with wide receiver Zay Jones in exchange for Aiyuk.
However, Jacksonville reportedly deemed this asking price too steep, ultimately opting not to pursue the trade.
As I noted on #XLPrimetime: #49ers reportedly would've wanted No. 17 overall + Zay Jones. Then #Jaguars would have to pay Aiyuk. So, fizzling out.
(hopefully this tweet will stop all the random Niners fans who have Facebook friend requested/IG DM'd me in the last 4 days) https://t.co/jm3pEXXxM2
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) March 18, 2024
Aiyuk, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has amassed an impressive resume during his time in the league, tallying 269 catches for 3,931 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in 62 career games.
Last season, the 25-year-old standout led the 49ers in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, further solidifying his value to the team.
I would trade 17 and Zay Jones for Brandon Aiyuk in a heartbeat.
Even with the contract I then have to pay him. https://t.co/k3lMArO83Y
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 18, 2024
Meanwhile, Zay Jones, the player included in the proposed trade, is entering the final year of his current contract with the Jaguars.
Despite battling injuries during his tenure in Jacksonville, Jones managed to contribute 321 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season.
Honestly I wouldn’t even take that deal for Justin Jefferson. You’re telling me I gotta give up my top pick AND immediately turn around and agree to a deal that pays the player north of $30m per year? No thx, not with the quality of WRs we see coming into the league every year
— bub evans (@The_DonFak) March 19, 2024
The speculation surrounding Aiyuk’s future has been compounded by cryptic messages posted by Aiyuk himself as well as some of his family members.
Shortly after the Super Bowl, Aiyuk took to Instagram to share a message that read, “Don’t forget what got you there,” hinting at underlying tensions regarding his contract situation.
Subsequently, Aiyuk’s girlfriend and brother (best friend) added to the speculation by alluding to the possibility of him leaving San Francisco during the offseason.
Why do these family members always want their family or friends to go to bad franchises lol
— ndetherock (@EllertNick) February 13, 2024
Despite being on the best team in the NFC (and perhaps all of football), it’s clear that Aiyuk is unhappy with his current situation.
There figures to be multiple teams who will at least explore the possibility of trading for him.
Sources: The Steelers have looked into 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. He’s entering the last year of his contract. Steelers would have to execute a sign and trade. But they’ve shown interest. pic.twitter.com/Ftef5j2Ddr
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) March 19, 2024
What do you think of San Francisco’s reported asking price for Aiyuk?
Will any team agree to deal the type of package they reportedly asked Jacksonville for?
Or will the Niners ultimately have to knock their demands down a few pegs?
When it’s all said and done, where will Aiyuk be playing in the fall???
Brandon Aiyuk's contract status is sparking trade discussions, but I doubt the 49ers will move him, at least not this year, if ever. It's not impossible, but it's improbable. https://t.co/NFmy0vUcSv
— Doctor Gridiron (@DrGridiron_MD) March 18, 2024
