Brandon Aiyuk tosses up last-ditch Hail Mary in extension talks with 49ers

Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly requested a trade from the 49ers, although he doesn't exactly have the leverage to force such a deal.

Where have you heard this before?: A San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver is unhappy with how contract extension talks have gone, and in a reactionary move, he requests a trade.

If you said it was Deebo Samuel back in 2022, you'd be correct.

If you said it was Brandon Aiyuk in 2024, you'd also be correct.

According to a Tuesday report from ESPN's Mike Garafolo, Aiyuk has officially requested a trade from the Niners after extension talks have apparently stalled:

The two parties have been locked in a stalemate for much of the offseason, Aiyuk apparently wanting a new deal in the realm of $30 million per season, whereas San Francisco is reportedly more comfortable around $26 million per year.

That gap has apparently become notably problematic, and Aiyuk has repeatedly taken to social media to voice his displeasure.

Now, he's trying to take it one step further.

But, will it do him any good?

Brandon Aiyuk has little leverage with 49ers in requesting a trade

It's important to note there's no official "trade request button" in the NFL. The report likely stems from Aiyuk's agent informing Garafolo, perhaps saying such request has now been shared with the 49ers.

It's also important to note that Aiyuk is still under contract for 2024, and the Niners could even apply the (unpopular) franchise tag on him in 2025, too, giving the team far more leverage in negotiations even their leading receiver from the last two seasons is demanding more money than San Francisco is willing to pay.

Of course, the 49ers would prefer not to have a disgruntled star wideout in their ranks this season. And they also have a history of negotiating such deals with their best players right before or at the very beginning of training camp, which starts next week.

Considering the Niners are in win-now mode, trading off one of their best assets for future NFL Draft capital won't help them whatsoever, and it'd likely take an equally talented player in return to facilitate such a deal.

Highly unlikely at this point of the offseason.

Aiyuk's camp knows this, and so does San Francisco. That combination makes the trade request little more than what it is: a request.

Nothing more.

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