This spring, the San Francisco 49ers will need to decide what to do with standout wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk, who had a breakthrough year in 2023, is about to reach the last year of his rookie contract. If the 49ers can work out a financial arrangement, he is expected to receive what looks to be a massive payday.
Right now, that is the most important question. Speculation persists that a blockbuster deal could occur instead of San Francisco awarding yet another lucrative contract.
When considering it logically, it makes sense. Some of the best paid players in the NFL in their respective positions are on the 49ers. This group consists of linebacker Fred Warner, cornerback Charvarius Ward, defensive end Nick Bosa, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, left tackle Trent Williams, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and running back Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers will eventually need to make some budget cuts. They are, after all, just $8.57 million below the NFL salary cap for 2024.
GM of the San Francisco 49ers John Lynch discusses a possible deal for Brandon Aiyuk.
Lynch was candid when discussing the potential challenges of extending Aiyuk during the offseason. He didn’t hesitate to speak.
“Yeah, there are some challenges,” Lynch said, via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. “I hope so. I think we’re set up to do [an extension]. It takes putting the whole thing together. And there’s also things we have to plan for going forward. You can’t just be reckless. We never will be.”
- Brandon Aiyuk stats (2023): 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, 7 TD
Aiyuk, who will turn 25 in March, is regarded as one of the top young receivers in the league. During the previous season, he was instrumental in Brock Purdy’s growth for the NFC Champions. When going after Aiyuk, the young signal caller really had an incredible 124.0 QB rating.
Undoubtedly, it is impossible to exaggerate Aiyuk’s significance to the 49ers. Here, the finances are the key question. As Lynch pointed out, there are certain difficulties in potentially offering him a significant long-term contract.
With $30 million a year, Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins is currently the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver. Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders is second, earning $28 million a season.
Aiyuk’s new contract is probably going to pay him more than $25 million a season. That would place him closer to A.J. Brown.