Rapoport: 49ers are telling receiver-needy teams Brandon Aiyuk isn’t available

The internet is confident that Aiyuk is going to get traded away

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport brings you your daily San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk update. This report is sparked by Aiyuk’s recent action of unfollowing the Niners on Instagram, a move that in today’s digital age carries significant weight. It’s a modern-day signal of discontent, a way for Aiyuk to express his unhappiness with the organization… or so it’s speculated.

Here’s Rapoport saying the Niners aren’t parting ways with Aiyuk anytime soon:

It is a thing. A player unfollowing a team on social media. It doesn’t mean they’re never going to be friends again. It’s not like he’s not going to like any of their posts. But it sends a message, from the star player to the team, that all is not well. Brandon Aiyuk wants a contract extension — deserves a contract extension. I do think the DeVonta Smith extension sets a floor at $25 million a year probably helps his case a little bit.

As far as the trade request, I would agree with his agent: There has been no trade request. Obviously, there have been some teams though, that know that all is not well and know that he wants a contract extension. Some receiver needy teams who have inquired over the course of the last several months, to see could he be available.

To my knowledge, the 49ers have not entertained any of those talks. But until/unless an extension gets done, that is going to persist. So, we will continue to wait until Brandon Aiyuk gets paid.

Some believe that the 49ers need to make a decision this offseason, which is the biggest issue. The team has Aiyuk and Samuel under contract through next year. If anything, San Francisco would select a wideout earlier than we expect because they know they can’t retain the duo after next season.

If I were in John Lynch’s seat, I’d want to build around my quarterback. After making it to the Super Bowl with Day 3 picks along the offensive line but struggling to make plays on the biggest stage at receiver — I’d draft a wideout or two. This class is remarkably deep.

Texas’s Adonai Mitchell in the first round — perhaps by trading up since the Niners don’t have the cap space to sign all of their draft picks. Then, another in the third. Heading into the next offseason, if Deebo Samuel has another year where he doesn’t stay healthy or misses time, the decision is made for you.

The team moves forward with Aiyuk and the two rookies from this class while saying goodbye to Deebo and fan favorite Jauan Jennings. But Purdy has two first-round receivers and a third threat, not to mention George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey. I’d use the second-round pick on the best available offensive lineman and feel great about that unit for the foreseeable future.

You’ll continue to see posts on social media suggesting that Aiyuk is getting traded, but we know the Niners go about their business a certain type of way and that an extension will get done closer to training camp than the NFL Draft. Patience.