The situation surrounding the continuation of receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s career is exhausting both the San Francisco 49ers management and the team’s fans.
In an interview on the radio KNBRgeneral manager John Lynch said the 49ers have a sense of “urgency” to retain the star receiver, despite several “frustrations” during contract extension negotiations.
“I can tell you this, it’s a long, arduous, difficult process,” Lynch told the hosts. “We started early and for whatever reason, we haven’t been able to get over the finish line. It’s been frustrating, but the communication has still been very good with both Brandon and his agent, and we’re trying to figure things out.”
For several days now, the Niners have reportedly found a buyer with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the San Francisco team is also trying to agree on a long-term extension with Aiyuk.
Aiyuk, 26, from Rocklin, Calif., is set to enter his fifth-year option season and make $14.124 million.
Selected 25th overall in the 2020 draft by the Niners out of Arizona State, Aiyuk had his best season as a professional in 2023.
In 16 games last season, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. It was the second straight season with 1,000 passing yards.
Over his four-season career, Aiyuk recorded 3,931 receiving yards on 269 receptions and 25 touchdowns.
There were hints of Aiyuk’s discontent with the team in February shortly after the Niners’ 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Asked if he hoped to stay in San Francisco, Aiyuk was cagey: “If it’s the right decision, yes,” Aiyuk said at the time.
