Why Brandon Aiyuk Ultimately Will Have Final Say In Trade

Brandon Aiyuk’s days as a member of the San Francisco 49ers appear to be numbered.

San Francisco reportedly allowed Aiyuk an opportunity to negotiate potential contract extensions with four other teams over the last few weeks: the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Where will the 49ers send him? It is seemingly all going to come down to where the 26-year-old wants to end up.

How does that work, you ask? Let us explain.

The 49ers, in almost any other situation, would have all the leverage in these negotiations, but they’ve pretty much fumbled the ball at every turn. Aiyuk isn’t the only star out in San Fran throwing their weight around, as Trent Williams hasn’t shown up to a single practice during training camp. How does that impact Aiyuk? The 49ers can (maybe) only afford to pay one of those guys, and it’ll (maybe) be Williams.

San Francisco also shot itself in the foot by letting Aiyuk find out what he’s worth on the open market, as offers from the Patriots and Browns now have him in the advantageous position to sell himself elsewhere. If he wants to go to say… Pittsburgh, he can tell them exactly what it would cost. The Niners can’t ship him anywhere without his blessing, either, because he can just turn down any extension offer given by New England, Cleveland, etc.

If he isn’t locked into a long-term deal, no one is going to pay a worthwhile price.

Aiyuk will dictate where he ultimately ends up, so remember that when the decision is ultimately made.