49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Has Handled Contract Situation 'Horribly,' NFL Agent Says

As the start of the 2024 NFL regular season approaches, an anonymous agent is questioning San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's approach in terms of trying to land a new contract.

Per The Athletic's Ben Standig, an NFL agent said the following about Aiyuk and his situation on Thursday: "He's handled it horribly, but sometimes you must take your grievances public. Silly, yes, but taking the team name or logo off social media accounts can cause a needed stir."

Aiyuk is set to enter the final year of his contract in 2024, but he has been "holding in," meaning that while he was present for training camp and has attended team meetings, he has not done any on-field work.

When Aiyuk and the Niners were unable to come to terms on a new contract throughout the offseason, he officially requested a trade in July, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

ESPN's Mike Reiss and Wagoner later reported that multiple teams expressed interest in acquiring the star wideout, including the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area added that the 49ers had the framework for a trade in place with both the Browns and the Patriots, but nothing has come of those talks yet.

After no official agreement came to pass with the Browns or the Patriots, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (h/t Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot) said it appeared Aiyuk's options were down to staying in San Francisco or going to Pittsburgh with the 49ers having a slight edge.

Still, there has been no movement regarding a new contract or a trade, so Aiyuk remains in a holding pattern just days before the Niners' regular-season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 9.

On Wednesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told Wagoner that Aiyuk has been medically cleared to practice, although he still hasn't done so.

General manager John Lynch provided his take on Aiyuk as well, saying: "I'm not going to get into our communication. At some point, you've got to play."

While it remains to be seen if he will get one before the start of the 2024 season, Aiyuk is undoubtedly deserving of a new deal based on his production.

The 26-year-old out of Arizona State has back-to-back years with over 1,000 receiving yards, including a career-high 1,342 last season.

Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving yards, receptions (75) and receiving touchdowns (seven) last season, and he was a huge reason they reached the Super Bowl.

The 49ers are in a difficult spot since they recently paid big money to Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, plus All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams wants a new deal in addition to Aiyuk.

It is unclear if the 49ers have the financial means to get a deal done with Aiyuk, but even if they can't, their best chance to contend again in 2024 is with him on the field and as an integral part of the offense.