49ers' Brandon Aiyuk might not "step on the field without a new deal", claims NFL insider

Since getting drafted in 2020, Brandon Aiyuk has increased his output in each season spent with the San Francisco 49ers. This included a career-best 1,342 receiving yards last year.

Given his strong contributions, Aiyuk sought a new contract extension for the 2024 season—which the 49ers declined. They instead exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract which meant that he will be in the final year of his current deal. The fifth-year option will pay him $14.124 million.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport discussed the situation on Wednesday's episode of The Insiders. He explained:

"What is facts though is that Brandon Aiyuk for sure deserves a huge contract extension, but does not have one yet. And it really makes you wonder as well, is he going to step on the field without a new deal? This market has defined itself very well. The fact that he does not have a deal done, the clock is ticking on him as well. He's another intriguing receiver awaiting a payday."

Aiyuk surpassed Deebo Samuel as the 49ers' leading receiver last season and helped the team make it to the Super Bowl.

The wide receiver market exploded during the offseason this year, with Justin Jefferson, AJ Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown signing the three largest contracts for the position in NFL history. That said, it will be interesting to see what type of deal Aiyuk eventually receives; but he may not report to training camp if he doesn't get one by then. He already skipped mini camps, so his future could be in jeopardy.

Brandon Aiyuk teases his desire to be traded to Commanders

Brandon Aiyuk

If Aiyuk is unable to get a new deal done with San Francisco, he could potentially hold out and get traded.

His activity on TikTok appeared to show an interest in joining rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on the Washington Commanders. On July 7, Aiyuk shared a TikTok of himself watching some of the Commanders' film which fueled the rumor that he may want to be traded there. He also shared on his social media accounts that the 49ers "don't want him back."

With veteran players scheduled to report to the 49ers' training camp on July 23, it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out.