The San Francisco 49ers have been linked to trade talks with regard to wideout Brandon Aiyuk extending into last season.
The reason is because of his massive contract. But it might be that very contract that makes Aiyuk untradable..
General manager John Lynch is probably kicking himself. The team reportedly had a deal in place to send the former Arizona State Sun Devil to Pittsburgh.
Then, at the last minute, Aiyuk expressed a desire to sign the 49ers' deal.
"According to @JayGlazer, Brandon Aiyuk called off a trade to the Steelers in the eleventh hour to stay with the 49ers," Jay Glazer posted on X on Sept. 8, 2024. "Kyle Shanahan told Aiyuk that he had to make a decision by the end of practice on the day the deal got done. Aiyuk chose to stay in San Francisco."
That "deal that got done" is the one that now ties the hands of the 49ers.
On Sunday, ESPN.com NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that once San Francisco writes the check to Aiyuk for $22.85 million on Tuesday - a roster bonus he is due - "all trade talks will be off."
It gets worse for Lynch and the 49ers.
On Tuesday, his $24.95 million 2026 option bonus also becomes fully guaranteed. Why is that an issue aside from the amount? Aiyuk is still recovering from an ACL tear and a timeline for his return has not been set.
What happens if the 49ers simply cut Aiyuk before Tuesday's bonus is due?
The problem is Aiyuk's bonus is fully guaranteed for injury, and right now he could not pass a physical. San Francisco would still have to pay him.
Ouch.
It's a bad contract for an injured player, and Lynch & Co. are stuck with it. And Aiyuk.
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This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 11:27 AM.