The San Francisco 49ers were already on the last legs of their Super Bowl window, and it may have shrunk even more. Star wideout Brandon Aiyuk has been asking for a contract extension, but the team hasn't budged.

Now, the 2023 second-team All-Pro is asking out, via NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

“Source: #49ers All-Pro WR Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade after an offseason of unsuccessful attempts to reach an extension,” Garafolo tweeted. “Despite a recent meeting, the Niners haven’t been willing to engage in negotiations since May so Aiyuk has respectfully asked out.”

Aiyuk is coming off his best season yet, hauling in 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven scores. The California native also caught nine balls for 149 yards and one touchdown in the playoffs.

However, Aiyuk has no leverage over San Francisco, via The Athletic's David Lombardi.

“Timing here key,” Lombardi said. “Vets report to training camp in a week so a soft deadline is looming for Brandon Aiyuk. He’s incentivized to use all tools at his disposal to encourage movement but the 49ers aren’t obligated (or even incentivized) to respond since Aiyuk is already under contract.”

Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.12 million this season on his fifth-year team option, and the club could franchise tag him in both 2025 and 2026. The tag is projected to be worth $24.76 million next year, and about $29.71 million in 2026.

Averaging out those three yearly numbers would add up to just under $23 million annually, which is much less than what the 26-year-old wants. The wide receiver market has inflated, with Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown recently receiving a four-year, $120 million extension. Aiyuk is unlikely to settle for much less than that.

Will the Niners hold him hostage, or will they honor his request?

The franchise tag gives the 49ers a powerful safety net

Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) during overtime of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.
© Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco is still refusing to blink, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

“Sources: Other teams that have reached out and spoken to San Francisco have been told that the 49ers have no intention of trading disgruntled WR Brandon Aiyuk, who officially has requested a trade. 49ers open training camp next week,” Schefter said.

With quarterback Brock Purdy in line to receive an extension soon, the Niners will have to do some financial gymnastics to afford its current roster. They already owe almost $53 million to fellow wideout Deebo Samuel for the next two seasons, and there is only so much cap space to go around.

San Francisco offered Aiyuk around $26 million per year earlier this year, via 49ers Webzone. That obviously won't cut it for Aiyuk, who's looking to get closer to the $30 million annual average that St. Brown got.

While the Niners will have to extend Aiyuk eventually, nothing is stopping them from dragging this out for at least one more year. The Arizona State alum would lose game checks if he sat out the regular season.