49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly requested a trade from the team. Despite this, trade discussions took place before the draft, not because Aiyuk necessarily wanted to leave, but because the 49ers wanted to see if another team would meet his contract demands. Initially, Aiyuk was seeking around $28 million per year, but this figure may have changed in light of recent big-money deals given to other players like Justin Jefferson of the Vikings.
According to sources, there were five NFL teams that were willing to meet Aiyuk’s financial expectations prior to the draft. However, no trade agreement was reached with any of these teams. Among the interested parties were the Patriots, who reportedly offered a second-round draft pick, as well as the Steelers and Commanders.
Now that the draft has passed, it may be more challenging for the 49ers to trade Aiyuk unless they receive an offer that includes a player who can contribute immediately and help the team in the upcoming season. If potential trade offers only include future draft picks, the 49ers may choose to hold onto Aiyuk for the time being, making him play out the final year of his rookie contract from 2020 and potentially considering a tag-and-trade scenario in the future.
The outcome of this situation will largely depend on Aiyuk’s stance on the trade request. Will he hold out of training camp or even into the regular season? If so, this could set the stage for his departure in 2025. The 49ers will need to weigh their options carefully and determine the best course of action based on Aiyuk’s actions and their long-term plans for the team. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming months.