As training camp nears, the drama surrounding San Francisco 49ers’ star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is showing no signs of slowing down.
Aiyuk has made it clear that he’s unhappy with his current contract situation and wants a more sizable commitment from the Niners.
He’s spent the majority of the offseason dropping hints that he wants out of San Francisco, despite the team being arguably the best in the entire league.
The latest chapter in the saga came when Aiyuk was speaking to his former Arizona State teammate, Jayden Daniels.
A video captured a FaceTime conversation between the two, with Aiyuk telling Daniels: “They (the 49ers) said they don’t want me back.”
The Washington Commanders quarterback responded: “That’s it?”
“I swear,” Aiyuk shot back.
“My boy!” Daniels excitedly said.
The video of the conversation was posted on social media, with Aiyuk captioning the post: “Im laughing but im crying fr.”
The wide receiver, unhappy with his contract situation, didn’t participate in the 49ers’ offseason program and skipped the team’s mandatory minicamp.
It remains unclear whether Aiyuk was implying the 49ers don’t want him back for this season or if they are unwilling to meet his demands for a lucrative contract extension beyond this season.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported this weekend that talks between the 49ers and Aiyuk “have stalled a bit.”
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is slated to count $14.124 million against the salary cap in 2024.
He is coming off a strong season with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
By boycotting the minicamp, Aiyuk is subject to fines exceeding $101,000.
His contract situation has drawn parallels with other wide receivers who have recently secured substantial extensions.
Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson reset the wide receiver market with a four-year extension averaging $35 million per season.
Other notable extensions include the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown ($32 million per season), Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30 million per season), and Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million per season).
Naturally, the conversation between Aiyuk and Daniels has sparked rumors that the former teammates could possibly reunite in Washington.
(Although Aiyuk has no say in where the Niners could trade him.)
While general manager John Lynch has repeatedly stated that the organization’s preference is to keep Aiyuk, the fact of the matter is they have explored the possibility of moving not just Aiyuk but fellow receiver Deebo Samuel as well.
As a matter of fact, Lynch and the Niners reportedly prefer to trade Samuel over Aiyuk.
Having said that, the Aiyuk trade rumors will continue to grow as long as the two sides remain apart on a potential deal.
CBS Sports reports that the Commanders, Chargers, Steelers, Patriots and Cardinals are all possible landing spots for the talented playmaker.
Samuel said during the team’s minicamp that he has been in regular contact with Aiyuk throughout the offseason, offering guidance on navigating the contract situation.
Samuel, who agreed to a three-year extension with the 49ers in 2022 after initially demanding a trade due to slow contract talks, emphasized the importance of patience to Aiyuk.
“At the end of the day, you want to get what you deserve, and you hope it happens,” Samuel said. “But it’s not going to happen in the timely manner that you want it to happen.
“It’s just a waiting game, and in this situation, you just let his agent communicate with them and they communicate back and it’s just the back and forth for a long time.”
What are your thoughts on the Aiyuk situation?
How do you think it all ends? … Will he and the Niners be able to work out an extension?
Or do you think he will end up being traded?
If so, where do you think the best landing spot would be???