49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Admits He Made Negotiations More Difficult Than They Had to Be

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk returned to practice on Tuesday days after signing a new contract extension. Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million deal to remain with the 49ers last week.

The extension came following a turbulent offseason in which Aiyuk did not participate in OTAs and held in during training camp. Aiyuk additionally requested a trade. The 49ers initially said that they had no intention of trading Aiyuk, but later allowed him to seek a contract with another team.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Monday that of the teams interested in Aiyuk, the Pittsburgh Steelers came the closest to actually acquiring him. However, a trade with the Steelers would not work because they were unwilling to send the 49ers a current player, and did not want to pay Aiyuk more than T.J. Watt, who makes $27.1 million per year.

Read more: Steelers Reportedly Didn’t Want to Pay Brandon Aiyuk More Than TJ Watt, Killing Any Trade Deal

In the end, Aiyuk agreed to the four-year, $120 million offer that the 49ers originally extended to him on Aug. 12. Aiyuk even admitted Tuesday that he made the situation more difficult than necessary.

“I’m not gonna lie,” Aiyuk told reporters. “I made it a little more difficult than it needed to be at the end.”

Aiyuk additionally admitted that it was ‘tough’ holding in and watching his teammates practice while he did not participate.

With Aiyuk re-signed, the 6-foot wideout returns to the 49ers as their No. 1 receiver. In 2023, Aiyuk caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He recorded a career-high in receiving yards and a career-high in yards per catch (17.6).

More news: 49ers Defender Sends Message to Teammates on Aaron Rodgers: ‘He’ll Embarrass You’

Along with Aiyuk, Tuesday saw the return of running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams to practice. McCaffrey returned from a calf strain, while Williams agreed to a restructured three-year, $82.66 million deal with $48 million guaranteed. Williams worked off to the side during Tuesday’s practice.

The 49ers have three of their best pieces back in time for the week leading up to the season opener of the regular season. The 49ers remain in search of their first Super Bowl victory since the 1994-95 season, and are hungry to bring back the Lombardi Trophy after coming just short to the Kansas City Chiefs in an overtime loss last February.

San Francisco begins their quest for the title on Monday, when they host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.