San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is not close to signing a desired contract extension with the team, but he isn’t planning to request a trade before training camp begins later this month.
Aiyuk, in the final year of his rookie contract, hinted on “The Pivot Podcast” that he could play for the Washington Commanders or Pittsburgh Steelers in the future. However, he later told TMZ Sports that he “for sure” wants to remain with the 49ers through at least the 2024 season.
“Everybody can rest easy,” Aiyuk reassured during the brief interview. “We’ve got God on our side. Everybody rest easy.”
According to NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero, the 49ers and Aiyuk planned to take a break for the Fourth of July holiday before resuming negotiations for a long-term deal.
Veteran 49ers players, including Aiyuk, are expected to report for training camp on July 23. Many reporters anticipate that a deal will be reached between next Monday and the team’s regular-season opener against the New York Jets on September 9.
“He has alluded to the fact that he thinks he’s going to be with the Niners in some form or fashion in ’24,” said Garafolo about Aiyuk.
The 49ers have Aiyuk under contract for this season, can retain his rights for 2025 via the franchise tag, and are viewed by many as the favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX.
In summary, the 2020 first-round draft pick might need to consider a trade request if negotiations with the 49ers stall over the next few weeks.