As Brandon Aiyuk’s “hold-in” at the San Francisco 49ers’ training camp drags on, a new favorite has emerged should the team change its stance about not trading the disgruntled wide receiver.
Aiyuk reported to camp to avoid daily fines and according to coach Kyle Shanahan is doing everything — except practicing. The fifth-year receiver is currently scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on the fifth-year team option linked to his rookie deal.
He requested a trade earlier this month. While the 49ers have made no indication they intend to honor that request, an NFC rival has emerged as the favorite destination should the franchise change its tune.
After the Pittsburgh Steelers opened as the favorite to land Aiyuk if he’s dealt, the Washington Commanders now have the shortest odds at +375 at SportsBetting.ag.
The sportsbook is offering odds on all 31 potential NFL destinations.
BRANDON AIYUK NEXT TEAM ODDS*
Washington Commanders (+375)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+450)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+600)
Indianapolis Colts (+750)
Las Vegas Raiders (+900)
Los Angeles Chargers (+950)
Arizona Cardinals (+1000)
New England Patriots (+1000)
Buffalo Bills (+1500)
New York Giants (+1500)
Carolina Panthers (+2000)
Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)
Kansas City Chiefs (+2000)
New York Jets (+2000)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2000)
Atlanta Falcons (+2500)
Baltimore Ravens (+2500)
Detroit Lions (+2500)
Chicago Bears (+3300)
Cleveland Browns (+3300)
Los Angeles Rams (+3300)
Minnesota Vikings (+3300)
Seattle Seahawks (+3300)
New Orleans Saints (+4000)
Dallas Cowboys (+5000)
Denver Broncos (+5000)
Miami Dolphins (+5000)
Philadelphia Eagles (+5000)
Tennessee Titans (+5000)
Green Bay Packers (+7500)
Houston Texans (+7500)
*Odds provided for informational purposes only.
The Commanders’ receiving corps is currently led by speedster Terry McLaurin and former first-round pick Jahan Dotson, but reliable experience is thin beyond those two. Third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey is competing for snaps with the likes of veterans Olamide Zaccheaus, Jamison Crowder and Dyami Brown.
The Steelers opened as the favorites to land Aiyuk and would remain an intriguing destination. Beyond George Pickens, Pittsburgh is counting on significant contributions from veteran Van Jefferson and third-round rookie Roman Wilson.
The Jaguars could also benefit from an excellent route-runner such as Aiyuk joining their fold. Jacksonville selected Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round and signed Gabe Davis in free agency to bolster a receiving corps led by Christian Kirk. But Calvin Ridley left for Tennessee in free agency, and a veteran with Aiyuk’s production would provide a clear boost for quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s receiving corps.
49ERS-AIYUK STALEMATE
NFL Network reported the last “meaningful negotiations” between Aiyuk and the 49ers took place in May. In April, general manager John Lynch said he would “never close the door on a trade.”
But a few months and one trade demand from Aiyuk’s camp later, they’re still together.
“Again, no absolutes there. We fully intend on Brandon being a Niner moving forward. Always open to listen to things,” Lynch said last week. “Like I said, we expect Brandon to be an integral part of our team like he has been, and excited about that.”
This is familiar territory for Lynch and Shanahan, who had similar standoffs with Nick Bosa, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel.
Aiyuk had a team-leading 75 receptions for 1,342 yards with seven touchdowns in 2023.
–Field Level Media