49ers Will Likely Trade All-Pro Skill Player Before 2024 Season

Aiyuk's Time In San Fran May Be Over

Brandon Aiyuk's future with the San Francisco 49ers is in serious doubt as the wide receiver was notably absent from the team’s mandatory minicamp, amid ongoing contract negotiations. The 49ers' decision to invest heavily in the wide receiver position during the 2024 NFL Draft suggests the team is preparing for life without Aiyuk.

General Manager John Lynch has publicly maintained a positive stance on securing a new deal with Aiyuk. “I know that we're continuing to have positive talks with B.A. and we are really efforting to get something done with him," Lynch said in April per CBS Sports, expressing optimism about the ongoing discussions. However, despite these assurances, the team’s actions tell a different story.

The 49ers used their first-round pick to draft wide receiver Ricky Pearsall from Florida at No. 31 overall, a move widely interpreted as a contingency plan for Aiyuk's potential departure. Additionally, they selected Arizona's Jacob Cowing in the fourth round, further bolstering their receiving corps.

Aiyuk, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is coming off a career-best season with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 17.2 yards per catch. His impressive performance earned him a second-team All-Pro selection, making him the first player in 49ers' history to achieve 55-plus catches, 740-plus yards, and five-plus touchdowns in each of his first four seasons.

Despite his achievements, Aiyuk's contract demands appear to be a sticking point. He is currently set to earn $14.1 million under the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, but with the wide receiver market surging—highlighted by lucrative extensions for players like Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown—Aiyuk is seeking a substantial raise. His college teammate, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, revealed in a TikTok video that Aiyuk feels unwanted by the 49ers: “They said they don’t want me back… I swear.”

System Could Soften The Blow Of Losing Aiyuk

The 49ers' reluctance to meet Aiyuk’s contract expectations likely stems from their broader financial strategy. San Francisco boasts one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL under head coach Kyle Shanahan, whose system is renowned for maximizing the talents of its playmakers. Shanahan’s offense, characterized by its versatility and creativity, has consistently produced top-tier performance regardless of personnel changes.

Shanahan’s scheme leverages precise route running, pre-snap motion, and a balanced run-pass attack to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses. This system has allowed a variety of players to flourish, suggesting that the 49ers can maintain their offensive prowess even with the introduction of new receivers like Pearsall and Cowing.

While Aiyuk’s departure would be a significant loss, the 49ers' proactive drafting and the depth of talent within Shanahan’s system provide a pathway to sustained success. The coming weeks will be crucial as the 49ers navigate contract negotiations and prepare for the 2024 season with or without one of their star receivers.

If he’s indeed moved, look for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers or Jacksonville Jaguars to make a push for him.