49ers GM shuts down WR Brandon Aiyuk trade talk

Trade rumors have been circulating around 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk since he and people in his circle expressed frustration following the team's Super Bowl loss. 

Aiyuk further fueled the speculation after he took to social media and asked Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin if he thinks they look alike. Pittsburgh is in the market for a wide receiver after trading Diontae Johnson to the Panthers.

But 49ers general manager John Lynch dampened the hopes of Steelers fans, emphatically stating that there is no truth to the rumors, via ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

"I promise you, nothing's going on there," Lynch said.

It would be surprising if San Francisco was willing to move on from Aiyuk. The 26-year-old has gotten better every year since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In 2023, he posted a career-high 1,342 yards on 75 catches.

However, Aiyuk is set to play on his fifth-year option in 2024 and is due for a new contract. He wants to be paid as the No. 1 wide receiver he and many others believe he is.

Lynch says they're doing their best to get a deal done.

"We're actively talking with Brandon, trying to figure something out," Lynch said via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. "We have a good history of working with the guys we want to get something done, and it takes two sides."

It won't be easy for the 49ers to get a deal done with Aiyuk, who is expected to receive about $24 million per year, according to Spotrac.

If the two sides can't find an agreement, San Francisco may be forced to deal Aiyuk. At that point, it's just a matter of finding common ground on compensation.

Lynch is aware of that being a potential scenario but is still sticking to the belief the 49ers and Aiyuk will figure it out.

"There's a number of different directions that it could go, but we appreciate the heck out of Brandon and who he is as a player," Lynch finished. "We want him to be a part of the Niners, so we're going to work towards making that a reality."