It's been less than 48 hours since the 49ers lost to the Chiefs in overtime at Super Bowl 58, yet the offseason drama has already started.
Brandon Aiyuk's future with San Francisco suddenly was thrown into question after a cryptic quote from Aiyuk and a series of social media posts from the wide receiver and those closest to him.
The 2020 first-round draft pick played an integral part in the 49ers winning the NFC championship and reaching the Super Bowl. But he may have played his last game in the red and gold.
While Aiyuk had not stated any issues with the organization before the Super Bowl, he is taking the fallout from the title game a little more personally than expected.
While no trade rumblings have specifically been tied to Aiyuk, he is throwing fuel on the fire by making perplexing posts and giving ambiguous answers when asked about his future with the team.
Here is what fans need to know about Aiyuk and potential trade rumors surrounding the 49ers wide receiver.
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Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors
Aiyuk has not been tied to any specific trade rumors. But a number of cryptic messages on social media, coupled with noncommittal answers from the 25-year-old wide receiver about his future with the team, have led to speculation that he could be on the move.
First, a few head-scratching messages were posted on social media following Super Bowl 58. Aiyuk's longtime friend and former teammate Draysean Hudson appeared to question why Aiyuk only had three catches in the Super Bowl, stating: "This is the exact reason why we leaving San Francisco." He then hinted at the wide receiver possibly heading to the Raiders.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Brother (Best Friend) On IG pic.twitter.com/WedP0QYiZ8
— WayneBreezie (@thewaynebreezie) February 13, 2024
Aiyuk's girlfriend, Rochelle Searight, posted a TikTok on Monday in which she said, "This might have been the last day we touched foot on Levi's Stadium ... because we might not be out here next year."
BA gone 💔 pic.twitter.com/XN2FV3CgUj
— Dev 🥷🏽 (@NinerDev) February 13, 2024
Later Monday evening, Aiyuk published a cryptic message to his Instagram story, stating: "Don't forget what got you there."
— Dev 🥷🏽 (@NinerDev) February 13, 2024
On Tuesday, Aiyuk was asked by reporters if he expected to be back with the 49ers for next season. The wide receiver did not give a definitive answer, responding: "If that's the right move."
When asked to elaborate what the "right move" would be, he said, "Being a champion."
Brandon Aiyuk was asked if he hopes to stay with the #49ers. “If that’s the right move.” pic.twitter.com/6NDPagaeok
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) February 13, 2024
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Brandon Aiyuk contract
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is set to be a free agent after the 2024 NFL season.
The wide receiver is not going to be cheap in 2024. Aiyuk's cap hit skyrockets next season, as he is due over $14 million, according to Spotrac.com.
| Year | Base salary | Bonuses | Cap hit | Dead cap |
| 2024 | $14,124,000 | — | $14,124,000 | $14,124,000 |
With Brock Purdy's extension due to come in 2025, the 49ers have a decision to make. Part of the reason why they have been able to pay for all of these skill players is due to Purdy's cheap cap hit. That is soon going to be no longer the case, and there are certainly going to be cap casualties as a result.
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Since Aiyuk only has one more year left on his deal, and considering how expensive he will be in 2024, he makes for a prime trade candidate. Aiyuk's value may not be higher, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Brandon Aiyuk stats
Aiyuk may be the fourth or fifth-most talked about weapon in the 49ers' offense, yet the wide receiver has proven to be an elite talent. The Arizona State product has gotten better and better since breaking into the league in 2020.
In 2023, Aiyuk set career-highs in receiving yards (1,342), yards per reception (17.9) and yards per game (83.9). He ranked first on San Francisco in receiving yards, receptions (75), targets (105) and was tied with Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey for the leader in receiving TDs (7).
| Season | Games | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Yards per Reception | TDs |
| 2020 | 12 | 60 | 96 | 748 | 12.5 | 5 |
| 2021 | 17 | 84 | 84 | 826 | 14.8 | 5 |
| 2022 | 17 | 78 | 114 | 1,015 | 13.0 | 8 |
| 2023 | 16 | 75 | 105 | 1,342 | 17.9 | 7 |
| Total | 62 | 269 | 399 | 3,931 | 14.6 | 25 |
