NFL

49ers-Brandon Aiyuk contract drama still ‘stuck in the mud’

The Brandon 🃏Aiyuk-49ers saga doesn’t appear anywhere close to over. 

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said Wednesd♌ay that the two sides remain at an impasse with just over a week to go before the 2024 NFL season opener. 

“I can’t tell you how many times I thought this Aiyuk thing was going to be resolved one way or another, whether it was a trade or a contract extension,” .” “And we are still stuck in the mud here on Brandon Aiyuk.

Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideline before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideline before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images

“… The understanding was that at this point he would practice, so we’re gonna have to see if he’s on the field (Wednesday) with the San Francisco 49ers. But, again, no closer to an extension or a trade there than we were the last couple of weeks.”

Garafolo added that 49ers star offensive lineman Trent Williams co🤡uld carry his holdout into the regular season. 

The Aiyuk situation has been one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason as the 26-year-old looks for an extension ♔on par with other big-money de🎃als handed out to wide receivers in recent years. 

George Kittle #85 and Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
George Kittle #85 and Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images

In recent weeks, Aiyuk has been tied in trade rumors to the Steelers, Brow𒁏ns and Patriots — among others.

Over a week ago, 49ers general manager John Lynch said the team felt “urgency” to solve the ongoing Aiyuk dilemma. 

“It’s been a long, arduous, hard process, a hard journey,” Lynch, according to ESPN.💛 “We started this early and for whatever reason haven’t been able to get it across the finish line. That’s been frustrating.”

Aiyuk, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is slated to make $14.2 million in 2024 on th꧒e last year of his rookie co🐷ntract. 

He recorded a career-hi♊gh 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.