Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. The two sides have been unable to agree on a long-term contract extension so far this offseason. A crucial deadline is approaching, as veterans are set to report to training camp next week, and Aiyuk could face daily fines of $40,000 if he is not present.
This scenario is not new for the 49ers, who have navigated similar contract standstills in the past two seasons, one with receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., and the other with defensive end Nick Bosa.
The 49ers have three main strategies they can consider:
Option 1: Wait it out
Aiyuk is already signed for the 2024 season at $14.1 million. Given Aiyuk’s impressive performance last season, leading the NFL with 17.9 yards per reception, this is a favorable rate for the team, especially when top wideouts are now earning over $30 million annually. The exact details of Aiyuk’s demands are not public, but it’s reported that the 49ers’ offer is around $26 million per year. The team may choose to wait for Aiyuk to lower his asking price. The 49ers have the upper hand since Aiyuk is still under contract.
While the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allows the 49ers to waive Aiyuk’s fines for missing training camp, the financial penalties would increase over time. A holdout extending into the regular season could result in Aiyuk missing out on about $829,000 per game. Additionally, the CBA permits the team to impose fines for missed preseason games.
Aiyuk risks long-term financial impacts with a continued holdout, especially since 2024 is his contract year under his rookie deal. To align himself for a significant payday in free agency, Aiyuk is incentivized to participate in training camp and establish a strong rapport with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
General manager John Lynch has indicated that the team is willing to let Aiyuk play the 2024 season on his fifth-year option and could use the franchise tag on him in 2025 for about $22 million. This potential for extended team control might push Aiyuk to accept the 49ers’ current offer or come closer to it. The team appears to be waiting for Aiyuk to make the next move.
Option 2: Amend the offer to prevent a holdout
The 49ers could try sweetening their offer to ensure Aiyuk is in training camp from day one. Aiyuk is an essential part of the team, and missing him would weaken the 49ers. While the team likely has the leverage to win a prolonged standoff, they might suffer as seen last season when Bosa’s absence from training camp affected his early-season performance.
Hoping to maximize their chances of a Super Bowl win, the 49ers might consider increasing their offer slightly to finalize the negotiation. However, if both sides remain too far apart, this approach may not be effective. The 49ers have future salary cap considerations to maintain for potential contracts for Purdy and other vital players, so they might be reluctant to compromise their long-term strategy.
Option 3: Trade Aiyuk
Considering what kind of trade involving Aiyuk would improve the team immediately, the 49ers need something substantial. Player-for-player trades that would satisfy the team’s current needs are rare due to contractual complexities.
Despite the current impasse, Aiyuk has proven his value to the team with his efficiency, impressive blocking, and consistent development. The 49ers are inclined to keep such a player unless they receive an offer that meets their high expectations.
Given these factors, waiting it out remains the most likely strategy for the 49ers in dealing with Aiyuk’s trade request.