Negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk have hit a breaking point. The wide receiver has officially requested a trade, seeking a team willing to meet his salary demands, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
“Despite a recent meeting, the Niners haven’t been willing to engage in negotiations since May so Aiyuk has respectfully asked out,” Garafolo reported.
This doesn’t mean the 49ers will grant Aiyuk’s request. Two years ago, the team faced a similar situation with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and the two sides eventually agreed to terms on a contract extension. The 49ers may hope to reach a similar resolution with Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is currently set to play on a team-exercised fifth-year option, earning $14.124 million during the 2024 season. However, the receiver reportedly seeks a contract extension that pays more than double that amount, similar to the recent four-year, $120 million deal signed by Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The 49ers have reportedly offered a deal worth $26 million annually, but it hasn’t been enough to satisfy Aiyuk.
In March, Aiyuk stated, “I’m trying to get what I deserve. … We got professionals working on both sides, so hopefully, we can come to a professional agreement to continue playing professional football.”
Drafted out of Arizona State with the No. 25 overall pick in 2020, Aiyuk (6-0, 200) has quickly become a key player for the 49ers. In 16 starts last season, he recorded 75 receptions for a career-high and team-leading 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.
With 1,015 receiving yards in 2022, Aiyuk has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in two consecutive seasons, making him the first 49ers wide receiver to do so since Anquan Boldin in 2013 and 2014. He is also the first 49ers player to accomplish this feat since tight end George Kittle in 2018 and 2019.
Aiyuk and the 49ers veterans are expected to report to training camp on July 23.