About a month into training camp, Brandon Aiyuk is still looking for either a big contract extension or a trade, and the San Francisco 49ers are still trying to reach a satisfactory resolution to this situation.
They reportedly have a standing trade on the table with the Pittsburgh Steelers while they try to iron out an extension Aiyuk would agree to, and in the meantime, the wide receiver has been present at training camp but not participating in practices or preseason games.
According to ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, if Aiyuk isn’t playing once the regular season starts, it will hurt quarterback Brock Purdy because Purdy will be less willing to take shots downfield, which would put a dent both in his stats and in San Francisco’s offense.
“The absence of Brandon Aiyuk almost takes away that elevation of Kyle Shanahan’s offense under Brock Purdy.”@DanOrlovsky7 on how Aiyuk’s absence would affect Purdy this season 🤔 pic.twitter.com/XT19qUxkMT
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 22, 2024
Aiyuk led San Francisco in both receptions and receiving yards while being tied for the team’s most receiving touchdowns last year, and he is their designated deep threat.
By stretching defenses vertically, he not only provides big-yardage plays, but he also makes things easier on the 49ers’ other pass-catchers, particularly Deebo Samuel.
Aiyuk is believed to be looking for an extension in the area of $30 million a year, but interestingly, he nixed a trade to the New England Patriots that would’ve resulted in him getting an extension worth over $30 million a year from the Patriots.
Should he agree to an extension with the Niners before Week 1, the Niners will once again be strong favorites to win the NFC and possibly win their sixth Super Bowl championship.
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