“Let that man be free,” Former NFL WR urges the San Francisco 49ers to release Brandon Aiyuk as team remains reluctant to pay him

Brandon Aiyuk is heading into the final year of his contract with the 49ers and is reluctant to exercise his fifth-year option with the team.

The San Francisco 49ers offense is likely to lose one of their key players on offense in Brandon Aiyuk. The wide receiver has the option to sign a contract with another team or exercise his fifth-year option with the team and play for $14 million. He is currently looking for a long-term contract extension, one that pays him handsomely but judging by the situation at the moment, it is unlikely to go in his favor.

Brandon Aiyuk is playing hardball with the San Francisco 49ers but the team understands that they are in no position to offer him what he wants. As a result, they have been reaching out to other teams and actively seeking trade offers for the wide receiver. The issue with this is that if the team fails to offer him an extension before the NFL Draft, they will be unable to trade him for immediate player picks.

DeSean Jackson, former NFL wideout is of the opinion that the 49ers should trade Aiyuk if their agreement talks fall apart. He said via the Up & Adams Show:

I think it's going to be hard for him to stay in San Francisco, obviously, with him going on his fifth year, I don't think they'll be able to get a deal done...let that man be free and go get another deal somewhere else because, in your fifth year, you're really supposed to get that extension.

DeSean Jackson said

Brandon Aiyuk has expressed interest in joining the Pittsburgh Steelers

DeSean Jackson’s take is right as teams offer their players an extension by the time they reach the final year of their rookie contract. But since the 49ers need to worry about retaining their stars and paying Brock Purdy, the team is not jumping to make any major contract decisions with the wide receiver.

Brandon Aiyuk’s team has suggested the wide receiver is inclined to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. It would be a great option for him as considering the free agency additions the team has made, he would be an instrumental part of their offense.

Brandon Aiyuk (via FOX Sports)
Another reason for Aiyuk to be traded is that he had a phenomenal season after having 1,342 receiving yards in 2023 making it the second consecutive 1,000+ yard season. His value is at an all-time high at the moment and he should rightfully be allowed to maximize his value if he is offered a good deal elsewhere.

For now, the San Francisco 49ers continue to look for teams to trade him. They hope to receive two-three picks in the earlier rounds of this year’s NFL draft in exchange for a proven star.