Brandon Aiyuk had an outstanding 2023 season in the NFL, finishing with seven touchdowns and a career-best 1,342 receiving yards. As a first-round draft pick in 2020, the San Francisco 49ers exercised his fifth-year option, meaning he will enter free agency after the 2024 season if he does not sign an extension. Aiyuk and his representatives are pushing for a long-term deal, although trade rumors have linked him to other teams. The receiver recently unfollowed the 49ers on social media, a tactic used by some athletes to express frustration with their team.
In the past, players like Kyler Murray have used social media to express their displeasure with their team’s contract negotiations. Murray unfollowed the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, only to later sign a lucrative contract extension with the team. Despite the social media drama, 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed his desire to keep Aiyuk with the franchise for the long term. Aiyuk is set to make around $14.1 million in the final year of his rookie deal, and he has made it clear that he wants to be compensated for his value to the team both on and off the field.
During an appearance on a podcast, Aiyuk discussed his contract situation and the value he brings to the organization. He expressed his hope that both sides would reach a professional agreement to allow him to continue playing football at a high level. While Aiyuk has a projected annual market value of $24 million, he has not formally requested a trade at this time. It remains to be seen whether the 49ers will be able to come to terms with Aiyuk on a long-term deal or if he will explore other options in free agency.
Despite the ongoing contract dispute, Aiyuk seems focused on his performance on the field and the impact he can make within the organization. With his recent success and impressive statistics, Aiyuk has proven himself as a valuable asset to the 49ers. As negotiations continue, it will be interesting to see if Aiyuk remains with the team for the long term or if he explores opportunities with other organizations. Ultimately, the resolution of Aiyuk’s contract situation will have significant implications for both the player and the team as they plan for the future of the franchise.
