Brandon Aiyuk could possibly leave the San Francisco 49ers via trade this offseason.
The star wide receiver has expressed his discontent on a few occasions since the Super Bowl in February. He was recently seen telling Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels during a video call that the team doesn’t want him back.
It appears the two have since linked up in person, as Daniels posted a photo of them together at a clothing store to his Instagram Story this weekend.
Check it out below:
Jayden Daniels and Brandon Aiyuk together pic.twitter.com/Y9C0s11O7e
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) June 23, 2024
Fans reckon the post is indicative of a potential trade to Washington.
Aiyuk you are officially a commander. We just waiting on the drop #raisehail
— 𝒞𝑜𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝑀𝒾𝓉𝒸𝒽 ♱ (@WorldwideHaven) June 23, 2024
Brandon Aiyuk to the Commanders. Book it
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) June 23, 2024
Brandon Aiyuk letting his followers know that he's about to be on the trading block.
— Stephen A Smith parody (@NBANFLNewsFeed) June 23, 2024
The San Francisco 49ers Have No Desire To Trade Brandon Aiyuk
Despite what Aiyuk told Daniels on their call, the Niners have no desire to trade the player, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The team is also unwilling to pay Aiyuk what he’s asking for.
It’s reported that they were close to reaching a deal earlier in the offseason, but things fell apart after the likes of A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Justin Jefferson, and Nico Collins signed lucrative new deals and reset the WR market.
"The 49ers absolutely do want Brandon Aiyuk back but not at the price he's seeking..
They have always wanted him back and they were never serious about trading him..
They're trying to win a Super Bowl they're not looking to move on from him" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/qkDaBc0ZJp
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 21, 2024
Brandon Aiyuk is due $14.124 million next season under his fifth-year option but wants much more. Previous reports claimed he wanted his new deal in the St. Brown range.
While there is still a huge gulf between the parties regarding money, the Niners have never actually considered parting ways with their star receiver.
They did hold discourse with the Commanders before the NFL Draft, but things never really moved in a direction that would see the player dealt away. It looks like they’re just playing the waiting game now.
