Hardball or New Beginnings: 49ers' Aiyuk Requests Trade

After repeated failed negotiation attempts and dead silence since May, the 49ers’ star wide receiver requests a new home.

Money, Money, Money

The wide receiver market in the NFL has boomed recently, which really is an understatement. The league’s highest-paid wideout, Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, has an average annual salary of $35 million. Brandon Aiyuk’s teammate, Deebo Samuel, has an average annual salary of $23.85 million. The market is only going to continue to rise, with Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb likely to reset it.

San Francisco, We Have a Problem

The Arizona State product only had 105 targets last season. However, he reeled in 75 of them for 1,342 yards and seven scores. He also had the league’s best yard per target of 12.8. ESPN’s advanced wide receiver metrics rate Brandon Aiyuk as the NFL’s best at the position in 2023. Aiyuk has made his case for a new contract, but that is not the issue between him and the 49ers. General Manager John Lynch has set the offer at $26 million per year and has not budged. Their star wideout reportedly wants a pay of around $30 million. Aiyuk has been very vocal about his frustration, even talking about the teams he would like to play for outside the Bay Area. The pressure mounted and now the 26-year-old All-Pro wants out.

Negotiation Tactics 101

There are few better places to play football than with the San Francisco 49ers. There are also few better receivers than Brandon Aiyuk. If San Francisco follows through with Aiyuk’s request, they have full control of where he goes. We have seen this story many times, especially with the five-time Super Bowl champions. Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, and Trent Williams all went through similar situations with this team. They all ended up with their desired deals. This appears to be classic hardball negotiations. Aiyuk has leverage and is using every ounce of it. But who knows, maybe the 49ers will willingly find a trade partner.

Wrap Up

I believe the two sides realize they need each other. San Francisco will likely cough up the cash and all will be happy. They want another shot at a Super Bowl and this is their chance. Championship windows are often open for a short time, and the braces on this one are soon to fall off. It is do-or-die in Santa Clara, so we’ll see how they pan out in 2024.

Money, Money, Money

San Francisco, We Have a Problem

Negotiation Tactics 101

Wrap Up

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