Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, has expressed frustration with the team regarding his contract extension negotiations. In a video call with his former college teammate and current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Aiyuk stated that the 49ers have indicated they don't want him back. This statement could be interpreted in two ways: either the 49ers don't want him for the upcoming season or they are unwilling to meet his contract demands beyond his current deal.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to make $14.124 million against the salary cap in 2024. He had a productive season in 2023 with 75 catches, 1,342 yards, and seven touchdowns. However, he did not participate in the team's offseason program or mandatory minicamp and is subject to fines for his absence.
The wide receiver market has seen significant movement this offseason with players like Justin Jefferson resetting the position with a four-year extension averaging $35 million per season. Other receivers, such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, and Jaylen Waddle, have also agreed to extensions.
Deebo Samuel, another 49ers wide receiver and a close friend of Aiyuk's, has advised patience in the negotiations process. Samuel went through a similar situation last year before agreeing to a three-year extension with the team.
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold for both parties. The 49ers have yet to make a public statement regarding Aiyuk's comments, and it is unclear whether his absence from offseason activities will impact his role in the upcoming season.
