Brandon Aiyuk has been the subject of trade rumors since the start of the offseason, but it does not sound like the San Francisco 49ers are planning to part ways with the star wide receiver.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Wednesday that the 49ers are not looking to trade Aiyuk. Rapoport says the team views Aiyuk as a “key, key part of their offense” heading into 2024.
“The (Ricky) Pearsall pick really made everyone scratch their heads and go, ‘Maybe they really are trading Brandon Aiyuk.’ It doesn’t seem like that is in the cards, at least right now,” Rapoport said. “My understanding on the situation, really something that has been consistent since the draft, is that the 49ers are moving forward with Brandon Aiyuk on their roster.
“How much will he make next year? That’s really the big question. They have been in contract negotiations, trying to get him a long-term deal, trying to get to a point where he will accept their offer.”
From @NFLTotalAccess: The #49ers’ 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. pic.twitter.com/hehKGqbE2Z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 8, 2024
The 49ers drafted former Florida star wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. That led to even more speculation that they could trade Aiyuk or even Deebo Samuel, but general manager John Lynch tried to put that talk to rest a few days later.
Aiyuk had his best season as a pro in 2023 with 75, 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is set to make $14.124 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract. He was open about his frustration with the 49ers several weeks back, but the tension seems to have cooled a bit.
