Ex-Broncos CB reveals why Brandon Aiyuk can be replaced by 49ers amid WR's contract standoff
Brandon Aiyuk's situation with the San Francisco 49ers is attracting more media than any other contract standoff as training camp kicks off in the NFL. The wide receiver has recently asked for a trade after not receiving an improved offer since May, and while he has reported to camp, he's not practicing.
Aiyuk's situation is not totally favorable. Even though he's a great wide receiver, the team has a lot of superstars on the roster and he might be deemed one too many. They drafted a wide receiver in the first round, they have Deebo Samuel under contract and, with the salary cap, you can't pay everyone.
Former cornerback Aqib Talib, who was a superstar in the NFL, appeared on the Up And Adams show and spoke about the current situation, highlighting why he believes Aiyuk can be replaced:
I think the one who can be replaced is Aiyuk maybe. I mean, so many weapons in in San Fran. And then, the system that they run-in San Fran, I wanna say plug and play. If you get a guy, a nice route runner in that system, they get the ball out fast. I think they got the least need for a big-time wide receiver. You got Deebo already.
Brandon Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal signed in 2020. As a first-round pick, the 49ers had the right to extend his first deal for another year, but he want to sign his extension sooner rather than later.
Brandon Aiyuk vs. 49ers: Should fans be concerned?
When you look at the salary cap situation of the team, it's understandable why they're wary of making any long-term commitment to Brandon Aiyuk. The San Francisco 49ers are over the 2025 cap already, and there's no guarantee that the wide receiver would accept his contract to be backloaded.
We have seen plenty of wide receiver trades in the last two years and the reason is simple: you either pay your quarterback or your wide receiver. It's no surprise that names like Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown got moved in 2022: you don't want to use such a huge portion of the cap for two players alone.
So, yes, fans should be concerned.