The San Francisco 49ers may be wishing they had traded receiver Brandon Aiyuk earlier. According to reports, Aiyuk was close to signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers but ultimately decided to accept a long-term deal with the 49ers instead.
Aiyuk’s contract now ties the hands of the 49ers in terms of making any trade moves. With an injury-related bonus due on Tuesday, no other team will take on the financial burden of the deal. Additionally, Aiyuk has a $24.95 million guaranteed option bonus that becomes fully guaranteed as of Tuesday.
Given Aiyuk’s recent ACL tear and his limited production before the injury, it’s unlikely any team would be willing to absorb his contract. The 49ers cannot simply cut their losses without still owing Aiyuk the money due to a guaranteed payment for injury.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/brandon-aiyuk-contract-ties-49ers-hands-on-a-possible-trade