Aiyuk eyeing Commanders, Steelers amid stalled contract talks with 49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk expressed frustration amid ongoing talks with the organization about an extension and admits he can see himself in other uniforms come next season.
"I'm taking it personal," Aiyuk said about negotiations on "The Pivot" podcast. "I have a vision for what I see myself as."
Asked what uniform he thought he'd be wearing next season, Aiyuk said: "If I were to take a guess, probably a Niner uniform. If not a Niners uniform, probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably a Steelers uniform."
Aiyuk, who isn't willing to accept a "hometown discount," still believes he's in the best situation by remaining in San Francisco.
"I feel like right now I'm in the right place, in the right spot, with the right quarterback right now. But we're not on the right terms," Aiyuk said.
After requesting and having a meeting with the Niners on Monday, Aiyuk characterized the talks as "good," with both sides agreeing to keep working toward a new deal, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The 2020 first-round pick posted a TikTok last week where he told Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels that the Niners "said they don't want me back." However, the productive wideout explained that his posts on social media are examples of him trying to control the narrative as he seeks a new deal.
"Social media is a way for me and my team to leverage myself and what I'm trying to get because that's the way to get the message out there and get the facts out there," Aiyuk said on the podcast.
The landscape for receivers has climbed in recent months. Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and Jaylen Waddle are among those who have landed extensions since the 2023 season. However, the Arizona State product is reportedly eyeing a pact similar to the four-year, $120-million deal that the Detroit Lions awarded Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Aiyuk is set to earn $14.1 million next season in what will be the final year of his rookie deal, per Over the Cap. He skipped the team's mandatory minicamp earlier this month.
Aiyuk has drawn plenty of attention throughout the offseason. He was the subject of trade speculation alongside teammate Deebo Samuel, and, while the team entertained offers, the 49ers insisted they weren't going to move either receiver.
"I just want to move forward. I want a team to look at me and value me as a top receiver, so I can continue to go out there and do what I do and show them every single day that's what I am," Aiyuk said.