Contract disputes are nothing new for the 49ers.
In fact, disgruntled or disoriented stars have been a constant presence on the 49ers’ summer schedule over the past five years: Tight end George Kittle in 2020. Linebacker Fred Warner in 2021. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel in 2022. Edge rusher Nick Bosa last summer.
Now it’s wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s turn to get a taste of the 49ers way of doing things.
The saga hit its first major turning point on Tuesday, a week before the veterans are scheduled to assemble in Santa Clara for training camp. Aiyuk requested a tradeNFL Media’s Mike Garafolo first reported the news, citing sources.
According to Garafolo, the 49ers have “not been willing to negotiate since May.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter then reported that the 49ers ‘No intention’ to trade Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is represented by Ryan Williams, who is also a close friend of 49ers general manager John Lynch.
Aiyuk recently “The Pivot” Podcast He believed he was close to a contract extension earlier in the offseason.
Since then, the wide receiver market has apparently changed. The perceived value of Aiyuk is similar..
Detroit receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown Signed a four-year, $120 million contract Miami’s Jaylen Waddle signed a three-year, $85 million contract extension in May.
While certainly not a shocking development, it does indicate that Aiyuk and Williams believe the situation has become serious enough to warrant somewhat drastic measures.
Lynch was transparent early on in the offseason, revealing that teams have inquired about Aiyuk’s availability.
The 49ers Opening the door to trade talks “I’m not sure what to do,” Lynch said after Day 1 of the NFL Draft.
The 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Piersall with the 31st overall pick, signed receiver Jauan Jennings to a two-year contract extension and selected Arizona speedster Jacob Cowing in the fourth round of the draft.
“I’m very happy with our wide receiver corps,” Lynch said in late April. “More than happy, in fact. I’m really excited and excited to add Ricky to that group and make it even stronger.”
Aiyuk led the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards each of the past two seasons. In those two seasons, he recorded 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Two years ago, when Samuel requested a trade, Lynch said it would be foolish to trade him.
Perhaps Lynch believes the same is true for Aiyuk, especially with the 49ers set to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a big contract in a year’s time. There are salary cap implications Why would it be reasonable for San Francisco to not meet Aiyuk’s demands?
But discontent or not, there’s no doubt the 49ers will be an even better team in 2024 with Aiyuk on the team.
So while it’s hard to believe Aiyuk will go anywhere this season, the 49ers must decide if signing him to a market-value contract is the best move for the team’s future.
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