Brandon Aiyuk has single-handedly turned the 49ers’ offseason into a complete spectacle with his various actions, which show how upset he is about contract negotiations.
The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver stepped his game up even further when he requested a trade, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported on Tuesday.
His request came amid several unsuccessful attempts to reach an agreement on an extension with the 49ers, who have been unwilling to engage in negotiations since May.
The 2020 NFL Draft first-round pick is entering his fifth season with San Francisco, which makes him eligible for a contract extension. Given his breakout performance last year, this would have brought a huge payday.
Now, he may be headed elsewhere, and his next destination is starting to take shape.
Despite the 49ers’ current stance against trading Aiyuk, the Los Angeles Chargers are emerging as a prime candidate to acquire Brandon Aiyuk, according to Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News.
“The Chargers are trying to figure out a lot in the passing game,” Iyer writes. “Second-year first-rounder Quentin Johnston doesn’t inspire much confidence, and a lot is being put on rookie Ladd McConkey and former top backup Josh Palmer. The Chargers are about to go run-heavier under Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman despite having Justin Herbert. But that also means they need to consider adding a field-stretcher to match Herbert’s own cannon.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The Chargers could desperately use the services of Brandon Aiyuk since they lost key wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason.
Aiyuk is only 26 and coming off a year in which he had 75 catches for over 1,300 yards and seven touchdowns. This move would greatly benefit quarterback Justin Herbert.
Brandon Aiyuk Previously Said “They Don’t Want Me Back”
Brandon Aiyuk has finally requested the trade he has been alluding to all offseason.
Back in June, he posted online, “We might not be out here next season.” This came during a video of a conversation he had with the new Washington Commanders quarterback and his former Arizona State teammate, Jayden Daniels, in which he said, “They don’t want me back.”
It’s worth noting that the 49ers have publicly expressed they want Aiyuk back on a long-term deal. Although they have the cap space to do it, nothing has materialized between the two sides, which means Aiyuk is looking for a huge number.
