The Brandon Aiyuk contract negotiations have reached an impasse and the All-Pro wide receiver has requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Garafolo reports that there have been several unsuccessful attempts to reach a contract extension. In fact, despite a recent meeting between the two sides, the 49ers haven’t been open to engaging in negotiations since May, which is why Aiyuk has requested to be traded.
San Francisco has had success in finding a middle ground with their players looking for long-term extensions, but the exploding wide receiver market put Aiyuk’s asking price at a point the 49ers apparently aren’t willing to come down for.
It’s unclear whether the team will facilitate a deal. They’d likely need to receive a player in the trade since they’ll be aiming to find an asset that can help them win the Super Bowl in 2024.
They could also choose not to move Aiyuk in hopes of eventually reaching a deal. If not, they could force Aiyuk to play on his fifth-year option and kick the negotiation can further down the road.
Aiyuk was a Second-Team All-Pro last season after hauling in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
