Brandon Aiyuk Trade Reportedly Not Expected Ahead of 49ers Contract Bonus Deadline

While the San Francisco 49ers traded Deebo Samuel this offseason, they are reportedly not expected to move fellow wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

ESPN's Adam Schefter explained the situation Sunday and called Tuesday "Aiyuk's unofficial trade deadline" since a $22.9 million bonus will kick in if he remains on the roster at that point and would all but end any discussions about sending him to another team.

Schefter reported "no deal currently is expected by then."

Trade speculation is nothing new when it comes to Aiyuk.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported the 49ers discussed moving either Aiyuk or Samuel around the 2024 NFL draft, and the former requested a trade in July 2024 with his contract under the spotlight.

Yet he and San Francisco eventually agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension before the 2024 regular season.

That extension hasn't stopped Aiyuk's name from popping up in trade rumors this offseason, but all signs seem to indicate he will remain with San Francisco. In addition to Schefter's report, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported Wednesday that "trading for Aiyuk's contract coming off an ACL injury is a tall order, and most believe it is unlikely."

Schultz and Russini also pointed to Tuesday's deadline for the roster bonus with the latter adding on her Scoop City podcast she doesn't believe a trade is likely (29-minute mark).

"I don't get the sense that it's a reality," she said. "I'm sure that the 49ers would like to do it because of the finances. Why would a team be so open about this? There must be something else."

Aiyuk was limited to just seven games last season because of a torn ACL and MCL, which, along with the financial picture, would make trading for him a risk for any potential suitor.

However, he is also a proven playmaker who posted back-to-back seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023. The 49ers reached the Super Bowl during that 2023 campaign as he finished with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.

Even if there may be some desire from the 49ers to explore a potential trade given the financial commitment awaiting them if Aiyuk remains on the roster past Tuesday, they will certainly be reliant on him during the 2025 campaign after trading Samuel.

The veteran figures to assume an even larger responsibility in the aerial attack alongside George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey as San Francisco looks to bounce back from an injury-riddled 6-11 effort in 2024.

And that can only happen if the front office doesn't move him prior to the season.