Contract disputes are nothing new for the 49ers.
In fact, disgruntled or disoriented stars have been a constant presence on the 49ers’ summer schedule over the past five years: Tight end George Kittle in 2020. Linebacker Fred Warner in 2021. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel in 2022. Edge rusher Nick Bosa last summer.
Now it’s wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s turn to get a taste of the 49ers way of doing things.
The first major turning point in the flurry came on Tuesday, a week before the veterans were set to gather in Santa Clara for training camp, when NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo first reported, citing sources, that Aiyuk had asked for a trade.
According to Garafolo, the 49ers have “not been willing to negotiate since May.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that the 49ers have “no intentions” of trading Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is represented by Ryan Williams, who is also a close friend of 49ers general manager John Lynch.
Aiyuk recently said on “The Pivot” podcast that he believed he was close to a contract extension earlier in the offseason.
Apparently the wide receiver market has changed since then, and so has Aiyuk’s perceived value.
Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension in April, while Miami’s Jaylen Waddle signed a three-year, $85 million extension in May.
While certainly not a shocking development, it does indicate that Aiyuk and Williams believe the situation has become serious enough to warrant somewhat drastic measures.
Lynch was transparent early on in the offseason, revealing that teams have inquired about Aiyuk’s availability.
Lynch said the 49ers have refused to engage in any trade discussions beyond the first day of the NFL Draft.
The 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Piersall with the 31st overall pick, signed receiver Jauan Jennings to a two-year contract extension and selected Arizona speedster Jacob Cowing in the fourth round of the draft.
“I’m very happy with our wide receiver corps,” Lynch said in late April. “More than happy, in fact. I’m really excited and excited to add Ricky to that group and make it even stronger.”
Aiyuk led the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards each of the past two seasons. In those two seasons, he recorded 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Two years ago, when Samuel requested a trade, Lynch said it would be foolish to trade him.
Perhaps Lynch believes the same is true for Aiyuk. The 49ers are due to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a huge contract in a year’s time, and salary-cap considerations make it reasonable for San Francisco not to meet Aiyuk’s demands.
But discontent or not, there’s no doubt the 49ers will be an even better team in 2024 with Aiyuk on the team.
So while it’s hard to believe Aiyuk will go anywhere this season, the 49ers must decide if signing him to a market-value contract is the best move for the team’s future.
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