Aiyuk is probably looking for a deal that pays between $30 million and $40 million a year, which is more than twice what he is expected to make in 2024. The 49ers reportedly offered a contract for almost $26 million a year before.

This week, Aiyuk gained notoriety when he shared a video on social media featuring him telling former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels, the quarterback for the Washington Commanders, “They said they don’t want me back… I swear.”

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero highlighted the footage during an interview on the “Rich Eisen Show,” pointing out how manufactured it looked, with someone filming the exchange between Aiyuk and Daniels as though it were premeditated.

Pelissero stated, “Listen, the 49ers have spent the offseason trying to get a contract done,” in reference to the negotiations. Actually, he and [Dolphins QB] Tua Tagovailoa share the same agency. So far, they haven’t been able to determine just what that number ought to be. We’ve seen as these enormous contracts are completed. [Vikings WR Justin] Jefferson at [$35 million], [Lions WR] Amon-Ra St. Brown at [$28 million per year].”

Pelissero thinks Aiyuk wants to fall in the middle of the two numbers.

“If you’re the 49ers, you’re saying you haven’t had the productivity that Amon-Ra St. Brown has,” Pelissero said. It isn’t that we don’t want for your return. It’s okay and Brandon Aiyuk’s right if he takes the statement, “Hey, we’re not going to give you $34 million a year,” as meaning, “We don’t want you back.” In actuality, he has a $14 million contract with the 49ers for this season.”

Pelissero also mentioned the attention Aiyuk sparked from other teams during the selection. But no team presented a deal that was compelling enough to convince the 49ers to part with the gifted receiver. The source thinks that, depending on the position of the selection, it would have required a first-round draft pick, and maybe more.

Alright, the draft is no longer available,” Pelissero said. “Last season, the 49ers participated in the Super Bowl. Their goal is to take home the trophy in 2024. For a guy who has a history with Jay Daniels dating back to their time at Arizona State, the notion that they will simply fire Brandon Aiyuk seems a little too convenient.”

“I can’t sit here and say for sure that Brandon Aiyuk will be a member of the 49ers this season,” Pelissero continued. I also think it’s difficult to assume that he’s not right now. Though anything can happen, he will be losing out on over a million dollars a week if he doesn’t show up for training camp or, in the event that he doesn’t, the entire season. In 2025, if he plays out this season, he will most likely be tagged.”

At that time, the 49ers might begin to consider a trade if a deal doesn’t look likely.