(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Star San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk made his trade request official Tuesday after reaching an impasse with the team over a new contract.
The team and its top wideout did not find traction when they met, and Aiyuk strongly hinted earlier that he believes 49ers officials do not intend to keep him in town.
On a team loaded with talent that must be paid, Aiyuk is one that it would certainly like to keep in the lineup.
One pundit said Tuesday that it is too early to consider the receiver as good as gone despite his trade request.
NFL expert Adam Schefter noted that the 49ers have had other players, notably Deebo Samuel and Robbie Gould, ask for trades.
However, the team successfully negotiated new contracts with these key pieces, and it is San Francisco’s intent to keep Aiyuk, not trade him.
In the past, the 49ers have had players such as Deebo Samuel and Robbie Gould also request trades before reaching deals with both players. The 49ers intend to keep Brandon Ayiuk, not trade him. https://t.co/mTP2z8AlOZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2024
The former first-round draft selection in 2020 out of Arizona State proved himself in the last two seasons to be a star among stars.
Aiyuk caught a career-high 78 passes in 2022 only to catch 75 more for a career-high 1,342 yards the following year.
He also has 25 receiving touchdowns in his four seasons with San Francisco, and he and young quarterback Brock Purdy developed an obvious connection quickly.
Two of Aiyuk’s offensive teammates, Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings, were extended in the offseason, and Purdy is definitely due a large payday.
But Aiyuk watched as other wide receivers raced past his contract status, and he believes he should be paid as well.
For the 49ers, however, a trade request does not equate to a guarantee that the player will be moved, and they may yet work out a deal.
The post Insider Reveals 49ers’ Stance On Brandon Aiyuk After Trade Request appeared first on The Cold Wire.