Brandon Aiyuk has been seeking a new contract from the San Francisco 49ers since the conclusion of the 2023 season, and it does not sound like the two sides have made much progress.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on “SportsCenter” Sunday that there is “not a lot of optimism” that a long-term extension will be reached between Aiyuk and the 49ers.
“They’re going to see what happens over the next six weeks leading into training camp. The 49ers want Aiyuk long-term in the fold but so far, they have not been willing to show that they’re going to meet the market of wide receiver, which we’re seeing these massive numbers,” Fowler said, as transcribed by Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report. “Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit $30 million, Justin Jefferson well above that. Aiyuk believes he’s a top guy, and so, something’s got to give. And so, he’s worked himself into a top-10 receiver conversation. We’ll see, not a lot of momentum right now. Not a lot of optimism.”
Aiyuk did not attend mandatory minicamp this week, which was not a surprise given the situation. It is unclear how long he plans to hold out if he does not sign a long-term extension.
A previous report made it sound like Aiyuk and the 49ers were getting closer to an agreement. The wide receiver market has been wild this offseason, so Aiyuk probably feels he is in a position of strength.
Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The 49ers still have Deebo Samuel and drafted former Florida star wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick. They may not feel a tremendous sense of urgency to cave to Aiyuk’s demands.
