The Bradon Aiyuk saga in San Francisco has reached a tipping point.
After the All-Pro wide receiver and the San Francisco 49ers had a number of unsuccessful conversations on a contract extension this off-season, Aiyuk officially requested a trade on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The request comes just one week before most NFL veterans report to training camp.
Aiyuk is scheduled to play this season on a fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million, but has stated that he wants a long-term contract that would pay him significantly more money based on his production so far in his career. Several of the top receivers have contracts in the $25-million-a-year range.
The 26-year-old receiver was a key part of San Francisco’s offence last season as he formed a great connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk had 75 catches and a career-high 1,375 yards last season with seven touchdowns as he earned second-team All-Pro honours.
Aiyuk has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 TDs in four seasons since being drafted 25th overall in 2020 but has taken off since Purdy became quarterback.
The 49ers were the NFC representative in the 2024 Super Bowl, but lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the big game.
— With files from the Associated Press