The two most likely outcomes of Brandon Aiyuk’s contract with 49ers amid trade request – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly officially requested a trade from the 49ers after contract negotiations stalled in recent weeks, but the All-Pro receiver’s future is still likely to follow one of two paths.

While Aiyuk would like to remain in the Bay Area for his fifth NFL season, he wants compensation comparable to what other big receivers received this offseason. If another franchise is able to make that happen, Aiyuk is willing to move, but it’s a costly acquisition for any interested franchise.

A potential team would have to offer the 49ers a compensation package for their top receiver targeted last season, which would likely include more than just a first-round draft pick. That team would also have to have the ability to pay Aiyuk more than San Francisco is offering, somewhere in the neighborhood of $28 million to $30 million per year.

Immediately following Aiyuk’s trade request, the 49ers reportedly had “no intention” of selling him elsewhere.

Here are two most likely scenarios regarding Aiyuk’s future:

Agreement on an extension NOW

In recent years, the 49ers have had success getting extensions for their top players heading into or during training camp. George Kittle (2020), Fred Warner (2021), Deebo Samuel (2022) and Nick Bosa (2023) all signed deals with San Francisco before the first week of the regular season.

General manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan want to keep the players they recruited and developed in-house, and Aiyuk is no exception. They have the ability to pay the Arizona State product now and could work out a deal that could include a higher signing bonus to stay under the salary cap while preparing for Brock Purdy’s impending mega-contract in 2025.

If the two sides reach an agreement, the receiver will happily travel to team headquarters as soon as possible to prepare for the 2024 season.

Playing under the fifth year option

If Aiyuk and the 49ers can’t reach an agreement, the wideout will likely miss training camp but is likely to report for the first week of the regular season.

The All-Pro receiver is set to earn $14.1 million in his fifth NFL season, more than his previous four seasons combined ($12.5 million).

Aiyuk may not be happy this season without a contract extension in place, but he’ll want to play hard enough to secure a mega multi-year deal before the 2025 season.

The 49ers have the option to use the franchise tag on Aiyuk after the season ends, retain his rights and then negotiate an extension or potential trade.

San Francisco could also force Aiyuk to play under the franchise tag in 2025, which would net him the average of the top five 2024 salaries at his position, netting him around $28-30 million for a single season.

No matter what happens, Aiyuk will be playing somewhere in 2024, likely in the San Francisco Bay Area. He will eventually receive one of the biggest contracts at his position, but it’s just a matter of “when.”

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