Brandon Aiyuk Responds to Trade Rumors: ‘But I Thought Niners Was Never Tryna Trade Me?’

Chris Ward |

Updated: Jun 27, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers Trade Target San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk — San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk warms up before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 10, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Brandon Aiyuk saga with the San Francisco 49ers has been going on for months, and it seems like it’s not ending anytime soon. Aiyuk’s meeting with the team on Monday must have not been productive.

On Tuesday, in response to a report by Adam Schefter that the Washington Commanders declined a trade offer for him, Aiyuk wrote on Instagram, “But I thought Niners was never tryna trade me?”

49ers general manager John Lynch has repeatedly stated this oiffseason that Aiyuk wasn’t on the trade block, but that appears to not be the case.

Brandon Aiyuk on reports the 49ers and Commanders discussed a trade for him 😬 pic.twitter.com/RXtg9iun3N

— PFF (@PFF) June 25, 2024

Clark revealed on NFL Live that Aiyuk set up a meeting with team representatives on Monday. Clark said prior negotiations have not gone anywhere and Aiyuk is taking it “personal.”

Clark also disclosed that Aiyuk walked into the room with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels to tell him that he was meeting with the 49ers. Clark interviewed Aiyuk on The Pivot Podcast, which will be released later this week.

Aiyuk was college teammates with Daniels at Arizona State, so Clark wonders if he’s eyeing Washington.

“He says he wants to be in San Francisco first but is comfortable playing elsewhere if that’s something that the San Francisco 49ers are willing to do via a trade. And I will tell you this, when he sat with us, he did not walk into the room alone. First, it was Brandon Aiyuk. Second, it was Jayden Daniels. I’m not a tea leaf reader, but the way that this sounds is that Brandon Aiyuk wouldn’t mind playing in Washington.”

Schefter said on ESPN Live that conversations have taken place with both teams, but nothing materialized.

“There were some conversations at one point between the 49ers and Commanders,” Schefter said. “Commanders were interested, but they decided not to do that deal.”

Aiyuk reportedly wants $30 million a year. Aiyuk took to social media to express his displeasure at the lack of movement last week, posting a video to TikTok where he told Daniels that the 49ers “don’t want me.”