Brandon Aiyuk reports to San Francisco 49ers training camp amid contract drama

Despite asking for a trade, Brandon Aiyuk is reporting for training camp with the rest of his 49ers teammates.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the news Tuesday. It’s unclear whether Aiyuk still wanted to play hard ball with his negotiating tactics to secure a new contract.

There was buzz that teams like the Steelers, Commanders or the Patriots would want to trade with the 49ers to secure the services of Aiyuk.

#49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk is reporting to training camp, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo, despite his desires for a new contract.

The team has not held extensive contract talks since May and because of that, Aiyuk has requested a trade. pic.twitter.com/OsoviQOmBr

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2024

Another NFL expert said 49ers have no incentive to trade Aiyuk

Adam Schefter, who covers the NFL for ESPN, doesn’t believe the 49ers intend to trade Aiyuk, even though he’s requested San Francisco send him elsewhere. Schefter talked about the 49ers dilemma — or lack thereof — on the Pat McAfee Show.

“If you’re the 49ers, why would you trade Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, either one, for draft pick compensation in 2025 when you’re trying to win a Super Bowl now. It makes no sense,” Schefter told McAfee.

“Not only that, but you can also trade Deebo after the year if you want. And you’d have the services this year.”

Schefter also said the 49ers could use the franchise tag with Aiyuk next off-season, while sides work out a longer-term deal.

Schefter added: “Now again, I think that my guess would be that Aiyuk, I’m guessing here, doesn’t show up to training camp, not there. And tries to force the issue here and then we see if the two sides can work out a deal or whether he wants to continue to be difficult with them.”

Aiyuk is entering the final year of a rookie contract he signed in 2020. The former first-rounder will make $14.124 million this season if the 49ers don’t offer a better deal. There hasn’t been much movement since May.

Receiver market is acid hot this off-season

The wide receiver market is acid-hot this summer. Justin Jefferson is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL after signing a four-year deal worth $140 million. Eagles star A.J. Brown ($32 million) and Lions’ standout Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30.002 million) also signed big deals this off-season.

All three are now ahead of Tyreek Hill ($30 million) of the Dolphins, who had been the highest paid the past two seasons. Hill’s teammate Jaylen Waddle ($28.2 million) agreed to a new contract to nudge ahead of Davante Adams ($28 million) of the Raiders. Then there’s Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, who makes $26.7 million, and Eagles DeVonta Smith, who pulls down $25 million.

No doubt Aiyuk has pushed all these numbers to 49ers management. He was a second-team All-Pro last season playing for one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. In the last two years, he posted 153 catches for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns.