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NFL insider states the obvious regarding 49ers' talks with Brandon Aiyuk

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated 4/18/24

ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently shared his insights on the situation surrounding San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during an appearance on the network's "NFL Live" show. Schefter clarified that while Aiyuk would like to remain with the 49ers, his priority is securing a contract that reflects his value, regardless of the team.

When questioned about Aiyuk's desire to stay with the team that selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Schefter responded, "Well, I think his desire to get paid is greater than his desire to stay in San Francisco, wherever that is. If the 49ers want to pay him, I'm sure he'd love to stay in San Francisco. If another team would like to pay him, I'm sure he'd like to go there."

"I think his desire to get paid is greater than his desire to stay in San Francisco" - Adam Schefter
Will Brandon Aiyuk play for the 49ers this season? pic.twitter.com/96AhcC9mAU
— Sharp Football Analysis (@SharpFBAnalysis) April 16, 2024

There has been significant unsubstantiated trade speculation surrounding the star receiver.

Aiyuk is currently slated to play on his fifth-year option, earning $14.124 million for the upcoming season. He is coming off a career-best performance where he amassed a team-leading 1,342 receiving yards.

"And so this is a situation, I think, that's still sorting itself out," Schefter continued. "There's been contract discussions between the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk. They continue to go on. We'll see if they hit any snags. If they continue to go well, then, of course, they could work out a deal.

"If not, at some point in time, there reaches a cut-off, like the NFL Draft, where if you can't get a deal done, perhaps you entertain the idea at that point in time, if you're the 49ers, of moving on from him and trading him, if you can't get a deal done."

Aiyuk has emphasized his desire for fair compensation based on his contributions to the 49ers and his potential for future success.

"I'm trying to get what I deserve," Aiyuk stated in a recent podcast interview. "I feel like this season, this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and a player — what I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization. ... We got professionals working on both sides, so hopefully, we can come to a professional agreement to continue playing professional football."

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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