The big issue on everyone’s minds as the San Francisco 49ers and their star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk‘s contract talks heat up is: Will they trade Aiyuk, or will the WR stay in San Francisco?
An explosive revelation was made by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, who stated that the 49ers and Aiyuk’s camp had another meeting yesterday. Though there are still “some minor details that need to be ironed out with ownership approval,” he claims that negotiations are moving closer to a long-term extension.
For supporters hoping to see Aiyuk improve on his career-high 1,342 receiving yards from the previous season, this is quite the improvement. But getting here hasn’t been without its challenges.
Brandon Aiyuk’s troublles with 49ers
After initial contract negotiations came to a standstill in July, Aiyuk stunned supporters by asking for a trade. In the last year of his rookie contract, Aiyuk had a little over $14 million to work with, and he was hoping to earn a salary that would place him among the highest paid receivers in the NFL.
Sources: The #49ers and WR Brandon Aiyuk had another meeting yesterday and talks continue to progress on a long-term contract extension. There has been movement on a deal, but there are some minor details that still need to be ironed out with ownership approval. pic.twitter.com/Z0OWumelSF
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 20, 2024
To make matters even more complicated, this summer saw a significant change in the wide receiver market. The stakes for Aiyuk’s discussions are higher after Justin Jefferson signed an eye-popping four-year, $140 million contract with the Vikings, setting a new standard.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who maintained his composure in the face of the possibility of losing his standout wide receiver to another team, gave a different impression in his remarks from yesterday.
