Brandon Aiyuk Sends Clear Message to 49ers Amid Trade Rumors
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In back-to-back offseasons, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly tried to unload star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on another team.
Last year, San Francisco nearly dealt the All-Pro wideout to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the deal was nixed at the last minute as Aiyuk agreed to sign a contract extension with the 49ers while general manager John Lynch was on the phone trying to close a deal with Steelers GM Omar Khan, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.
Aiyuk ultimately signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension to stay in San Francisco — a deal that started to look bad for the team once the 27-year-old tore his ACL just seven games into last season.
Even after sending Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier in the offseason, the 49ers were also reportedly still trying to unload Aiyuk's contract as well.
ESPN reported that San Francisco was trying feverishly to find a taker for the Arizona State alum before his $22.85 million bonus kicked in on April 1. Paying out such a large chunk of cash likely ensures that Aiyuk will be a 49er in 2025.
Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers gestures during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers gestures during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.While Aiyuk has had a relatively quiet offseason this year compared to last, he did take to YouTube to make it known how he felt about his name being on the trade block shortly after the season ended, while also sending a subtle message to the 49ers about trying to dump him again.
"They was talking bout trading me while I was off percocets /muscle relaxers and peeing in a cup by my bed! Couldn't walk for 10 weeks ain't nobody trading for me 🤣💀," Aiyuk wrote on YouTube.
Aiyuk is working back from one of the more devastating injuries of his career after tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee back in October, which likely made the list of suitors for him back in March a short one.
The Steelers, who traded for former Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf and sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in two bold offseason deals, were rumored to be interested in Aiyuk again, and Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio even hinted the 49ers seemed willing to send him to Pittsburgh.
"The 49ers would love to unload Brandon Aiyuk's contract on the Steelers," Florio said during an interview with 93.7 The Fan.
After missing all of training camp last season while holding out for a new deal, Aiyuk looked rusty to start the season.
The former 1,000-yard receiver had just one 100-yard outing last year, and he had five or more receptions just twice while scoring zero touchdowns. He finished the season with 25 catches and 374 yards in seven games.
Given the severity of his injury, there's a chance Aiyuk will be just as rusty when he returns in 2025.
For more 49ers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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