Brandon Aiyuk’s frustration over his contract situation has escalated. According to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo, the wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers has asked to be traded.
Aiyuk’s request comes after a series of unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a contract extension with the 49ers. Since May, the team has been reluctant to engage in talks, despite Aiyuk entering the final year of his rookie contract with a salary set at $14.124 million.
The decision to seek a trade followed a recent meeting that failed to make any progress, as reported by Garafolo.
Aiyuk’s request follows his impressive 2023 season, where he recorded career highs with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He developed a strong connection with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in an offense that boasts significant talent.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have recently extended contracts for teammates Christian McCaffrey, securing a record-setting two-year, $38 million deal, and Jauan Jennings, on a one-year contract worth up to $15.4 million.
Despite his standout performance, Aiyuk’s contract situation remained unresolved throughout the offseason, leading to tension. He even publicly mentioned other teams like Washington and Pittsburgh as potential destinations if he couldn’t reach an agreement with the 49ers.
Aiyuk opted to skip the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp in his pursuit of a long-term deal, resulting in a fine. With two consecutive seasons of surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and his contract year looming, Aiyuk appears to have run out of patience.
