Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards last season, playing a key role in San Francisco's NFC title victory.
San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly requested a trade amid stalled contract negotiations. ESPN, the NFL Network, and The Associated Press all report that Aiyuk, 26, has formally asked the defending NFC champions for a trade as the two parties have not reached an agreement on a contract extension beyond this season.
Aiyuk is set to earn $14.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract. He has built a strong connection with young 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, catching 75 passes for a career-high 1,342 yards last season and helping San Francisco secure its second NFC title in five years. Notably, over 81% of Aiyuk's receptions last season resulted in first downs for the 49ers.
Despite the current tensions, the situation could still resolve similarly to the prolonged negotiations between the 49ers and star wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the summer of 2022. Samuel and the team seemed to be at an impasse before he signed a three-year, $71.5 million contract with $58.1 million guaranteed.
Aiyuk may be frustrated that other key players on the team have secured new deals while his contract extension has yet to materialize.
Last month, the 49ers signed running back and touchdown machine Christian McCaffrey to a lucrative two-year extension, keeping him in Santa Clara through the 2027 season.
In May, restricted free agent Jauan Jennings, San Francisco's dependable fourth or fifth receiving option, signed a two-year deal worth up to $15.4 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed.
The 49ers have lost two of the last five Super Bowls to the Kansas City Chiefs, who came from behind in the fourth quarter both times. Both teams are among the betting favorites to return to the Super Bowl in February.
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