Brandon Aiyuk’s Agent Denies Trade Request Rumors
“You need better sources”.
This was the response from star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s Agent Ryan Williams, to a tweet by NY Sports Writer John Frascella claiming the 49ers 2020 first-round pick had requested a trade.
Aiyuk has been the center of trade rumors the entire offseason. Just 26 years old and coming off the best season of his career where he was named a Second-Team All-Pro, Aiyuk is next in line for a big-time extension.
He elicited some discussion and speculation after unfollowing the 49ers on Instagram, following his teammate Deebo Samuel’s footsteps. Rumors started to circulate throughout NFL media, with some NFL insiders claiming Aiyuk was preparing to request a trade earlier this week and claimed in the past few days that he had officially requested one.
Finding a robust trade market would not be a problem for John Lynch and the 49ers’ front office. A 26-year-old star, who can improve in a bigger offensive role, and has minuscule weaknesses to his game surely has generated some trade interest leaguewide.
Teams such as the Steelers, Bills, Ravens, Colts, Patriots, and Jaguars have been linked to Aiyuk so far this season. Only the Jaguars have had reported discussions with the 49ers about Aiyuk so far, but negotiations went nowhere.
Although Aiyuk’s agent denied the trade request claim - that does not solidify that Aiyuk will not be moved. All it takes is one phone call or meeting for everything to change.
There is still a possibility that Aiyuk, who is seeking at least a 4-year extension worth north of $80-90 million most likely, is moved at some point. The longer talks drag on, and the more defined other teams’ needs become, the more chance someone offers a deal the 49ers cannot refuse, or the Aiyuk sees a situation he wants to be a part of and requests the trade.
It’s a highly volatile situation, and one worth monitoring as the offseason progresses and the draft approaches. With the 49ers’ limited cap space, and the necessity to invest in it elsewhere, Aiyuk’s potential extension becomes the most difficult extension to complete out of all the drafted players they’ve committed long-term to.
There is some hope of extending him, as the 49ers were able to navigate arguably a more tumultuous situation with Deebo Samuel and extend him. However, teams want Aiyuk, and will likely offer a first-round pick to acquire his services. Depending on what happens, the outcome of this scenario could be what everyone expected, or the most unexpected outcome. It all boils down to how negotiations go, and how badly teams want Brandon Aiyuk’s services in their Wide Receiver room.
