Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. The two parties have been unable to agree on a long-term contract extension this offseason. A deadline is approaching next week when veterans are set to report to training camp, and Aiyuk could face daily fines of $40,000 if he doesn’t show up.
The 49ers are no strangers to such situations, having dealt with contract standoffs in previous seasons, including those with receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive end Nick Bosa. They have three main strategies to consider.
Option 1: Stand Firm
Aiyuk is under contract for the 2024 season at $14.1 million, a favorable rate compared to the market where top receivers earn over $30 million annually. Reports suggest the 49ers’ offer is around $26 million per year. The team can hold their ground, waiting for Aiyuk to lower his demands. Financial penalties for Aiyuk would increase over time, including fines for missing training camp and potential losses for each missed game.
Option 2: Sweeten the Offer
The 49ers could slightly improve their offer to prevent a holdout. Aiyuk’s absence would weaken the team, and missing training camp could negatively impact his performance. Ensuring Aiyuk is present from the start of camp could be beneficial to the 49ers, who are under pressure to win now. However, the 49ers must also consider their future salary cap obligations.
Option 3: Trade Aiyuk
Trading Aiyuk would require a deal that improves the team immediately, a challenging prospect given the current market. Acquiring another high-impact player in exchange for Aiyuk is unlikely due to contractual complexities and team needs.
Given the circumstances, the 49ers are likely to stick with Option 1, waiting for Aiyuk to compromise on his demands. The team has reportedly informed interested parties that they have no intention of trading him, indicating their strategy to hold firm.