Aiyuk Wants Trade Rumors to End
- Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, expresses frustration over ongoing trade and contract rumors about him.
- He highlights the media frenzy surrounding the team and its impact on players.
- Aiyuk aims for the rumors to cease so he can focus on his game.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has expressed his frustration with ongoing trade and contract rumors surrounding his future with the team. In a recent Instagram post, Aiyuk urged the media to clarify the situation, referencing a report by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that indicated the 49ers had resumed extension talks with him while other teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, remained interested. Aiyuk is currently participating in training camp but is not practicing as part of a hold-in strategy to secure a new contract. Aiyuk is seeking a deal that would provide a raise from his current $14.1 million club option for 2024 and offer protection against unrestricted free agency in 2025. Reports have varied regarding the status of negotiations, with ESPN's Adam Schefter noting that the New England Patriots have withdrawn from the pursuit, while the Cleveland Browns are reportedly skeptical about acquiring him. Meanwhile, conflicting reports have emerged about the Steelers' interest in Aiyuk. As one of only seven NFL wide receivers to surpass 1,300 receiving yards last season, Aiyuk's potential return to the 49ers would bolster an already formidable receiving corps alongside Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. With the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans approaching, Aiyuk faces the added pressure of potential fines amounting to approximately $785,000 for each preseason game he misses during his hold-in.