Brandon Ayuk, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, has been a subject of trade rumors and extension discussions this offseason. General manager John Lynch has addressed these rumors, stating that “there’s nothing going on there” and that the team is actively discussing an extension with Ayuk as he enters the final year of his contract. Ayuk shared his take on the situation during an appearance on The Nightcap podcast with former NFL players Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco. While Ayuk did not go into detail about the ongoing talks, he expressed appreciation for Ochocinco’s comment that he deserves to make $30-32 million a year.
During his time with the 49ers, Ayuk has been a productive player, recording 153 catches for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. His performance has made him valuable to the team’s offense, but with other key players on the roster and future contracts to consider, the team faces challenges in reaching a deal with Ayuka. As they hold discussions about extending him, the 49ers will need to find a balance that aligns with their long-term plans, including preparing for the upcoming contract negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy.
Ayuk reflected on his growth as both a person and a player over the past season, highlighting his work ethic and leadership qualities while emphasizing his value within the organization. He acknowledged that negotiations are a professional process and expressed hope for a mutually beneficial agreement to continue playing for the 49ers.