Brandon Aiyuk Trade Rumors: 49ers Wanted 'A.J. Brown' Haul in 1st Round of NFL Draft

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was a popular name floated in trade rumors leading up to the 2024 NFL draft, but it sounds like the asking price for him was fairly steep.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Tuesday that "much of the league was keeping a close eye on the 49ers' handling of the wide receiver position throughout the draft." However, many teams learned that San Francisco was seeking a similar haul to what the Tennesee Titans received when they traded star receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Multiple teams told me they had interest in Brandon Aiyuk, but they believed the 49ers wanted a first-round pick for him, with one comparing the situation to that of A.J. Brown, who went from Tennessee to Philadelphia in 2022 in exchange for the 18th pick," Fowler explained. "The Eagles then signed him to a four-year, $100 million contract. Trading for Aiyuk would have required a new deal and a premium pick."

Aiyuk is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $14.1 million in the 2024 season. He has not been shy about his desire to receive a new contract, but it doesn't appear that there has been much progress on that front.

49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters last month that the team's "wish" for Aiyuk is that "he is here for the rest of his career." It remains to be seen if San Francisco's wish will be granted, as Aiyuk could choose to play out the 2024 season and test the open market next offseason if he doesn't get the contract extension offer he feels he deserves.