Feb 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) talks to the media during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night
(San Francisco, CA) – Kyle Shanahan has a plethora of talent in the Bay Area, but one of his stars is growing unhappy.
There are two main things that skill position players look for in the NFL- they want the ball and they want the bag. Aiyuk got the first part in his breakout 2023 season. The 4th-year wide receiver led the 49ers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
The latter half is where Aiyuk and the team have not been in sync.
San Francisco has reportedly offered their 2020 first round pick a contract in the range of $26 million per year. No small sum, but money that pales in comparison to the 4 year, $140 million contract that Justin Jefferson inked this offseason.
General manager John Lynch is clearly trying to keep his squad together, at a price he feels is affordable for the team and respectable for towards the players. Aiyuk was unapologetic in response to any sort of budgeting, stating “If you can’t afford a Lamborghini, you can’t have one.”
Aiyuk did not report to mandatory minicamp this June, and as training camp looms closer, trade rumors have grown.
When asked what uniform he sees himself wearing this fall, Aiyuk had a number of teams in mind. “Probably a Niners uniform, but if not a Niners uniform, probably a Washington Commander uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, then probably a Steelers uniform.”
The speedy receiver is the perfect option for any team with trade assets, a need for weapons, and room under the salary cap. He is a young playmaker who would most likely have a number of guaranteed years with a new contract.
Washington seems to be the most likely location if he is to move, seeing as though they have a young quarterback in Jayden Daniels who Aiyuk has a relationship with.
