With Aiyuk’s rookie deal set to expire after the 2024 season, he and the 49ers had been engaged in lengthy talks over a new contract.
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly requested a tradeCredit: AP
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First Take regular Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo said he believed wideouts were sometimes ‘overvalued’Credit: ESPN
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Guest host Harry Douglas was less than impressed when Russo noted that the New England Patriots didn’t win a ring with legendary receiver Randy MossCredit: ESPN
However, with no deal seemingly in sight, the Second-Team All-Pro reportedly requested a trade on Tuesday, as initially broken by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
In the latest episode of First Take, and with regular hosts Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith absent, it was down to Christine Williamson, Harry Douglas, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, and Kimberley A. Martin to break down the news.
Regular guest Russo’s stance was that dealing Aiyuk needn’t be a devastating prospect for the Super Bowl chasing 49ers.
He explained how he felt that wide receiver could be “an overvalued position.”
Looking to further his point, Russo cited examples of star wideouts who had left their teams for big deals and failed to win it all.
Davante Adams, AJ Brown, and Tyreek Hill were among those mentioned by Russo.
He went on to throw Hall of Famer Randy Moss into the mix, noting that the New England Patriots didn’t win any of their six rings under head coach Bill Belichick while he was on the roster.
This was seemingly a step too far as far as Douglas and Martin were concerned, with both leaping to Moss’ defense.
“What did Randy do to you?” asked Martin.
“Don’t do Randy like that! No!” commented Douglas.
But Russo quickly explained that he believed Moss came to mind as he’d seen him on ESPN’s controversial list of the top 100 athletes since 2000.
“He’s good on TV, he’s got a lot of personality, Moss is a great,” Russo went on to add as he attempted to avoid insulting a legend of the game.
Returning to the 49ers, Russo felt San Francisco had more than enough talent on offense outside of Aiyuk to remain a contender regardless of whether or not he’s dealt.
Specifically, he labeled tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, and left tackle Trent Williams all future Hall of Famers.
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Martin and Douglas disagreed, with the former claiming that losing Aiyuk would “hurt.”
And when Russo brought up the fact that the 49ers could turn to first-round rookie Rickey Pearsall to fill the void left by Aiyuk, Douglas noted that that might be too much to expect from the youngster in year one.
Ultimately, both Russo and Martin concurred that they believe Aiyuk will eventually put pen to paper on a new deal with San Francisco.
Aiyuk’s current contract is set to net him just over $14 million this season.
Veterans are expected to report for San Francisco’s training camp on July 23.
However, Aiyuk is reportedly not planning to participate until he has a new deal/team, as per ESPN.
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Moss is a Hall of Famer and one of the best receivers of all timeCredit: Getty
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Aiyuk reportedly won’t attend training camp until he either has a new deal or a new teamCredit: Getty