The San Francisco 49ers appear open to trading Brandon Aiyuk, but time is not on their side.
The 49ers remain open to trading Aiyuk one year after signing the wide receiver to a massive contract. However, it is considered highly unlikely that the team will find a taker, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports.
Several issues are working against the 49ers. The first is Aiyuk’s 4-year, $120 million extension, which he signed prior to last season. Reports have suggested that the Niners regret that deal, and if that is the case, it is hard to see why any other team would be eager to take it off their hands.
In addition, Aiyuk is due a $23 million bonus on April 1. If the 49ers do not trade him before that kicks in, a deal is seen as almost impossible.
Complicating the situation further is the fact that Aiyuk is coming off a severe knee injury. While there is no reason to believe Aiyuk is having any issues with his recovery, the injury adds another layer of risk to any potential trade.
Aiyuk has shown how good he is when healthy. His best season came in 2023, when he tallied 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. He was off to a slow start in 2024 prior to his injury, perhaps because he missed the entirety of training camp while holding out for his new contract.
