San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Reports to Training Camp Amid Trade Request

The San Francisco 49ers’ players are set to report to training camp on Tuesday, and one player who will be joining them is wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk’s presence at training camp is not typically newsworthy, but this season it’s a significant development given his recent trade request.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Aiyuk will be reporting to training camp despite asking to be dealt from the only team he’s ever played for. Later on Tuesday, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported that Aiyuk was in camp.

So, why would Aiyuk request a trade from the Niners, where he’s had great success? As with many things in the NFL, it comes down to money. Aiyuk apparently wants to continue with the Niners, but not without a contract extension. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported last week that the Niners haven’t had any extension talks with Aiyuk since May, which is what led Aiyuk to request the trade.

The 49ers drafted Aiyuk with the 25th overall pick in 2020, and he has produced for the team. He has 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns for the 49ers over his four-year career. Aiyuk has managed to find a way to materially improve his game every single season, but he took a huge jump forward when Brock Purdy ascended to the starting quarterback position in 2022.

In his first two seasons with the Niners, which were Purdy-free, Aiyuk tallied 118 receptions for 1,574 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his two most recent seasons, in which Aiyuk had Purdy slinging passes his way, he tallied 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Despite the trade request, Aiyuk didn’t have much leverage in this situation so holding out would not have accomplished much. General manager John Lynch essentially confirmed the Niners have no plans to trade Aiyuk, telling the media Tuesday they “fully intend on Brandon being a Niner,” calling him “an integral part of the team.”