The San Francisco 49ers aren’t likely to make a move on one of their top players who may be seeking newer pastures.
While Niners GM John Lynch isn’t exactly in a rush to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a series of big-money extensions are on the horizon that the team can’t afford at the moment.
Lynch has been taking calls on offers for Aiyuk in recent days, but according to multiple NFL insiders, a move before his payday on April 1 isn’t likely.
This coming April 1 marks a big day for Aiyuk’s contract. His 2025 option bonus of $22.855m becomes fully guaranteed on this date as does his bonus for 2026 of $24.935m. Additionally, his 2026 pre-bonus compensation of $26.15m also becomes fully guaranteed on this date.
So, the Niners will be hoping for a miracle move before next Tuesday.
While NFL insiders indicate that a move has been discussed, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini says, ‘I don’t get the sense that it’s a reality.
The San Francisco 49ers are taking calls on Brandon Aiyuk, but a deal remains unlikely
Niners GM John Lynch hopes to sign major extensions soon, but doesn’t have the money
Aiyuk was sour with the team since holding out for a big contract in 2024, then got hurt
‘I’m sure that the 49ers would like to do it because of the finances. Why would a team be so open about this? There must be something else.’
Last offseason, Aiyuk held out of practice in order to secure the big money four-year, $120million deal that he got for himself from the team.
However, it appeared the relationship between him and the front office never appeared to fully recover afterwards.
Then, in the midst of last season, Aiyuk suffered a serious injury where he tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus.
Now, it seems that the Niners would be okay if he never played another snap for the team as they hope to sign an extension to young quarterback Brock Purdy in the coming months.
It’s likely that Aiyuk would have to be traded along with draft compensation in order for a deal to go through.
