Despite ongoing speculation regarding Brandon Aiyuk’s future with the San Francisco 49ers, it appears the team hasn’t actively sought to trade the star wide receiver during the offseason. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner suggests that the 49ers would only entertain offers for Aiyuk if they were exceptionally enticing.
Reportedly, the 49ers would only consider parting ways with Aiyuk if the offer presented an opportunity to secure one of the top three wide receivers—Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze—in the 2024 NFL draft. The team seemed open to trade discussions prior to the draft, engaging with multiple teams, including those possessing top-10 picks, about potential deals involving Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel.
However, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated, the current inclination is for the 49ers to retain their wide receiver corps. Despite the buzz surrounding trade talks, the team opted to keep both Aiyuk and Samuel during the draft, retaining their original draft position while adding Florida wideout Ricky Pearsall with the 31st pick.
Initial assumptions that Samuel might be the more likely candidate for a trade have shifted, with indications now suggesting that Aiyuk and Samuel are likely to remain with the 49ers for the 2024 season.
General manager John Lynch has expressed optimism about retaining Aiyuk in the long term, noting positive discussions with his camp regarding a contract extension. Aiyuk, entering the final season of his rookie contract, is set to earn $14.1 million. The recent market trends for wide receivers, with lucrative extensions for A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown, suggest Aiyuk could command a significant contract extension.
Aiyuk, who has shown consistent improvement each season, concluded the 2023 campaign with impressive stats, tallying 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games, contributing to the 49ers’ success in winning the NFC West for the second consecutive year.
