Brandon Aiyuk just one of many 49ers who requested a trade

As another turn happens in the saga involving San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's contract, he has notified his employer of the desire to be traded.

This is familiar territory, though, as San Francisco has encountered such trade demands before.

Last year, defensive end Nick Bosa was a contract holdout for more than a month. He then signed a five-year, $170 million contract extension that included $122.5 million guaranteed. This made Bosa the highest-paid defensive player in league history, ending his holdout but one that never included a trade request.

Aiyuk is slated to be playing under the fifth and final year of his rookie contract in 2024. It is set to pay him just over $14 million for the season, but he is hoping to ink a deal for multiple figures and a higher pay rate, such as a four-year deal worth at least $120 million.

While it will be interesting to see how this plays out, let's take a look at some other examples in Niners history when their players have requested a trade to play elsewhere.

Other 49ers who requested to be traded

3. Terrell Owens

A coveted third-round pick in 1996, Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens made an immediate impact with the team. He played in all 16 games his first three seasons for the 49ers. With 12 touchdowns between his first two years, he recorded 14 more a season later. He also eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark, too.

In 2003, Owens would wear a 49ers jersey for the last time in his career. Locker room tensions boiled between him and then-quarterback Jeff Garcia.

The veteran receiver expressed his concerns and unhappiness to management. Thus, a trade was proposed to accommodate the star's pleas.

Prior to the start of the 2004 season, Owens was eventually shipped off to the Philadelphia Eagles. It worked out for the player, as he experience many seasons of success with his new team and a few more to follow.

The 49ers were able to move on from the drama and experience life after T.O. They struggled at first going just 2-14 that season as Owens played in the Super Bowl after the Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game.

2. Robbie Gould

In 2019, the 18-year veteran, kicker Robbie Gould, requested a trade of his own. He had asked out in April due to a contract dispute.

As expected, in late February that year, San Francisco placed the franchise tag on Gould. Two months later was when the kicker responded and said he wanted out.

Gould had one of the greatest careers in NFL history as he never missed a field goal in the playoffs.
He is also the 10th all-time leading scorer in the league.

Before the end of July, the two parties agreed upon the next deal: a four-year extension valued more than $19 million kept the future Hall of Famer with the 49ers.

The team would go on to qualify for the Super Bowl but fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the title game. Gould played well under the first year of his new contract.

He missed just one extra point and had a pair of game-winning field goals in Weeks 14 and 16 to propel San Francisco to the playoffs. After 2023, Gould and the 49ers parted company.

Gould went on to retire shortly after. He ended his career as the ninth most accurate kicker making an astonishing 86.5 percent of his field goal attempts. Now, that's money well spent.

1. Deebo Samuel

Aiyuk's teammate and friend also once requested to be traded. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel did so two seasons ago when he also was looking for an updated contract.

Despite the desire to play elsewhere, Samuel did attend training camp. He would go onto to sign his name to a new three-year extension worth $73.5 million with more than $58 million in guarantees.

Since then, injuries have plagued his career including the 2022 and the 49ers' most recent Super Bowl defeat. However, the 2021 season was his best to date and ultimately led to his new contract desire.

That year, he set personal bests with 77 receptions and 1,405 yards in the air. He established himself as a dual threat by recording eight rushing touchdowns to compliment his 365 yards on the ground.

The 49ers have allocated their funds towards their stars over the years. Thus, why it makes sense Aiyuk wants his share moving forward.

Having Aiyuk back in the fold long term only increases the 49ers' chances to repeat as NFC Champions and potentially win the franchise's sixth Super Bowl.

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