As the contract negotiations between the 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk reach a standstill, Aiyuk has come forward with a surprising statement. In a TikTok video posted by Aiyuk himself during a FaceTime call with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Aiyuk boldly claimed, “They don’t want me back.”
Aiyuk and Daniels were former teammates at Arizona State before Aiyuk entered the NFL draft in 2020 and Daniels transferred to LSU in 2022. Currently, Aiyuk is under a contract worth $14.1 million for the 2024 season, as part of his fifth-year option. However, reports suggest that Aiyuk is seeking a significantly higher salary of $30 million or more per year.
By stating “they don’t want me back,” Aiyuk could be implying that the 49ers are unwilling to bring him back after the current season. Alternatively, he might be suggesting that the team is not willing to meet his salary demands. While the 49ers may be willing to pay him the agreed-upon $14.1 million for another season, it could be more beneficial for them to explore trading him to a team that is willing to meet his financial expectations.
Ideally, the optimal time to trade Aiyuk would have been before the 2024 draft, allowing the 49ers to receive compensation in the same year. However, at this point, any potential trade would likely involve future draft picks or current players as part of the return package, if Aiyuk is indeed traded. This situation highlights the complexities of contract negotiations in professional sports and the delicate balance between player expectations and team financial considerations.