San Francisco 49ers superstar wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk posted a cryptic message on Instagram as trade speculation ramps up.

Speaking during Monday’s “NFL Live” episode, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers and Washington Commanders discussed a trade for Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFC East team decided against the move.

The JPA Football Instagram account shared a post about Schefter’s report on the 49ers-Commanders Aiyuk trade discussion. On that post, Aiyuk commented and wrote, “But I though the niners was never tryna trade me?”

Below are a screenshot of Aiyuk’s comment and the Instagram post from JPA Football:

Brandon Aiyuk is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. Coming off the best season of his career, Aiyuk is set to land a lucrative extension that could very well push nine figures.

Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a four-year extension worth $140 million that makes him the highest-paid non-QB in league history. Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown agreed to a four-year extension of his own worth $120.01 million.

In 16 games last season, Brandon Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. The 49ers reached Super Bowl 58, where they wound up losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime.

49ers Need To Pay Brandon Aiyuk

If the 49ers were to trade Aiyuk, they would certainly get at least a first-round pick as part of the return. But at the end of the day, draft picks are only lottery tickets.

There is no guarantee that the 49ers would receive equal value for Aiyuk, who has made a compelling case as a top-10 receiver in football. The San Fran offense has reached another level with his giant YAC numbers, so it’s imperative that they agree to a contract extension.

The 49ers’ Super Bowl championship window is wide-open right now, but keeping Aiyuk ensures that Kyle Shanahan has the best chance to bring this franchise its sixth Super Bowl.