By George Howard IV
News broke Tuesday (via NFL Insider Mike Garafolo) that 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk has requested a trade.
This trade request has come after multiple failed attempts between the two parties to reach an agreement on his contract extension.
Aiyuk was a 2020 first-round pick for the 49ers and was slated to earn 14.1 million during the final year of his rookie deal. It’s also being reported that the 49ers have not entertained any negotiations since May of 2024 (via Mike Garafolo).
Aiyuk, now 26, has had the best statistical season of his career with 1342 receiving yards on 75 receptions during the regular season(PFF). That performance ranks among the top ten in all of the NFL, beating out guys like Mike Evans (TB), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), and Stefon Diggs (BUF).
So where does a top-ten receiver land this late into the offseason?
Aiyuk has publicly stated that if things don’t work out between himself and the 49ers, he could see himself joining Washington or Pittsburgh. (Via Pivot Podcast).
Likely, odds are the 49ers won’t let go of a top-ten talent like Aiyuk and he will suit up at least one more time for the 49ers this year while both parties will explore their options next offseason.
Other than Washington and Pittsburgh, where else can you see Aiyuk having the most impact on the field?
