NFL Rumors: 49ers Focused on Keeping Brandon Aiyuk Amid Trade, Contract Buzz
Tyler Conway@@jtylerconway
Featured Columnist IVMay 8, 2024
The San Francisco 49ers reportedly want to retain wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk—not just for next season but over the long term.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the 49ers have been steadfast in their desire to keep Aiyuk on the roster rather than trade the star wideout:
Ian Rapoport @RapSheetFrom <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLTotalAccess?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLTotalAccess</a>: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a>' focus remains on keeping star WR Brandon Aiyuk — as it was during the NFL Draft. It's about getting a well-earned extension done, at this point. <a href="https://t.co/hehKGqbE2Z">pic.twitter.com/hehKGqbE2Z</a>
Aiyuk is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and will make $14.1 million this season if no long-term deal is reached. While there were rumors of a trade request amid stalled extension negotiations, Aiyuk's agent Ryan Williams denied those reports.
"I'm trying to get what I deserve," Aiyuk said in March on the Nightcap podcast. "I feel like this season, this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and a player, what I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization. And just the value I hold when I walk in that building. People going to follow me because I've done it the right way since I've been in that building. From the first day I walked in there to when I was in there earlier this morning. I've done it the right way. If they don't see the worth in that [makes a walking motion with hands], that's all it is. It ain't nothing else besides that. I can't get into it. We got professionals working on both sides, so hopefully, we can come to a professional agreement and continue playing professional football."
Aiyuk recorded 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He earned All-Pro honors for the first time in his career and seemingly supplanted Deebo Samuel as the 49ers' clear WR1 on the depth chart.
Given Rapoport's reporting and the 49ers' decision to draft receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of last month's draft, it may be Samuel whose long-term future in San Francisco is in question. Samuel has no guaranteed money on his contract remaining after the 2024 season and was also the subject of trade rumors around the draft.
The 49ers will eventually have to start paring salary from their roster if they plan on giving Brock Purdy a franchise quarterback-level contract. Those changes will likely come as soon as 2025, and the Aiyuk vs. Samuel debate will be one to watch.
