The San Francisco 49ers are trying to gear up for yet another try at winning the Super Bowl championship that has eluded them for many years, but they have hit a major snag.
Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the biggest weapon in their passing game, has asked for a lucrative contract extension, and with talks seemingly at a standstill, he unfollowed the team on social media.
Reportedly, he asked to be traded, and although his agent has denied that any trade request was made, there has been lots of speculation about where he may be sent.
On the other hand, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a former NFL wideout who is Aiyuk’s personal coach, said Aiyuk simply wants to get paid and remain with the Niners, per NBC Sports.
"He don't want to leave San Francisco."
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Brandon Aiyuk's personal coach, told @957thegame the star WR wants to stay with the 49ers but "just wants to get paid" https://t.co/LLYCAqczWv
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 23, 2024
If San Francisco were to cave in and trade Aiyuk, they would take a major step backward.
He led them last season with 75 receptions, which turned into a team-high 1,342 receiving yards, as well as seven touchdowns.
Aiyuk is also a capable and willing blocker, which helps open things up for his teammates.
Wideouts like him don’t grow on trees, and even if San Francisco were to receive a first-round draft pick for him, which may not be likely, there is no guarantee a wideout taken with that pick would be as productive as Aiyuk.
The good news for the 49ers is that they do have some time to get an extension done with Aiyuk before OTAs and especially training camp begins, but they also don’t have time to waste.
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John Lynch Speaks Out About Brandon Aiyuk Speculation