Brandon Aiyuk, a star wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, has reportedly requested a trade from the team. It seems that Aiyuk, who had previously expressed his commitment to playing for the 49ers this season, is now looking to move on due to contract negotiations that have hit a roadblock.
In an interview with “The Pivot” podcast, Aiyuk mentioned possible destinations if he were to be traded, including the Washington Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers. This comes after Aiyuk had an impressive season last year, with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Pro honors.
Despite his success on the field, Aiyuk’s contract situation seems to be the main point of contention. He is set to earn $14.124 million as part of the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, but negotiations with the 49ers have not been smooth sailing. Aiyuk did not participate in OTAs and skipped mandatory minicamp, potentially facing fines of up to $101,000.
During his appearance on “The Pivot,” Aiyuk shared some insights into the contract negotiations, revealing that the 49ers believed they were not on the same page. This uncertainty has led to Aiyuk exploring the possibility of a trade to another team where he might find a better fit.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Aiyuk will indeed be traded and which team he will end up playing for in the upcoming season. For fans of the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers, the news of Aiyuk’s trade request adds an element of uncertainty to the team’s roster and raises questions about the future of one of their key players.