UNBELIEVABLE: The 49ers Star sparks trade rumors after failing to report to 49ers offseason program.
The 49ers‘ 2024 offseason has been hampered by trade speculations, most of which revolve around the fate of Brandon Aiyuk. However, while the player’s agency has batted down suspicions, the athlete has just given fuel to the fire.
Brandon Aiyuk is approaching the fifth year of his rookie contract and is expected to earn a substantial contract extension this offseason, putting him among the NFL’s finest wide receivers. The 49ers and Aiyuk’s agency have been negotiating since the end of Super Bowl LVIII.
However, Aiyuk has made it clear that he wants to be well compensated. The Nevada native has been linked to moves to the Las Vegas Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers through cryptic social media posts by himself or his friends/family members. Then, earlier this week, “BA” unfollowed the 49ers on social media.
The player’s subtle signal has led some video creators to suspect that a trade is on the horizon. Aiyuk’s representative, Ryan Williams of Athletes First, refuted these claims on Thursday.
“Another’report’ that could not be more inaccurate. “Fictional ‘journalism’ should really stop,” Williams tweeted on Thursday in reaction to a post by Chase Senior of Chat Sports.
The overblown noise around Aiyuk is not unusual for a 49ers offseason; in fact, it is to be expected given recent history. Despite the erratic “reporting,” official beat reporters had to weigh in on the situation.
Of course, Aiyuk is not participating in the 49ers’ offseason program, which began Monday at their training facility in Santa Clara. He is not expected to participate in any voluntary activities until the parties reach an agreement on a new contract.
And, if history is any indication, it may take some time.
George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Deebo Samuel signed second contracts with the team around the start of training camp in late July.
And Nick Bosa signed his hefty contract last year in the midst of the week before the first game of the regular season.
The quote contains two relevant nuggets: First, BA did not report to the 49ers’ offseason program on Monday, despite conflicting “reports.” Second, while the contract story may take some time until pen meets paper, the 49ers normally close the deal.
However, the 49ers’ brass has not said anything to suggest a deal is imminent. Earlier this offseason, general manager John Lynch stated that Aiyuk may enter next season without a new contract, relying on his $14.1 million fifth-year option.
“We have a good history of working with the guys we want to get done, and it takes two sides,” Lynch told reporters. “So, can we do this? “We’ll see.”
While Lynch and the 49ers have been quiet about contract talks, Aiyuk has done the opposite. The player shared this photo on Instagram this morning, showcasing a FaceTime call with NFL prospect Jayden Daniels.
While a lot would have to happen for both Aiyuk and Daniels to play together, the obvious connection from their days at Arizona State University remains at large. And with Antonio Pierce (former ASU position coach) now at the helm in Sin City, a potential reunion can’t be ruled out as a possibility.
But until it becomes official, Brandon Aiyuk remains a 49er. And if history gives us any indication, the longer he stays on the roster this summer, the more likely he’ll be there in the fall.
Only time will tell what occurs. But, for the time being, Brandon Aiyuk offseason rumors will continue.
The San Francisco 49ers’ offseason dates include the April 25-27 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.
May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31 (OTAs)
June 4-6: Mandatory Minicamp
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