The 49ers are set to have much of their salary cap commitments tied into a small group of high-priced veterans in 2024 and beyond. Brandon Aiyuk is on track to become one of them, provided he plays out his fifth-year option next year and/or agrees to an extension. 
Aiyuk has been the subject of considerable speculation given San Francisco’s existing commitments at the offensive skill positions. That includes fellow receiver Deebo Samuel‘s through-2025 deal, which carries cap hits of $28.63MM and $24.2MM over the next two years. Aiyuk will make $14.12MM on his fifth-year option, but a new pact will cost far more. When speaking about the latter, general manager John Lynch notably declined to offer a firm promise an agreement will be worked out.
In past years, Lynch made it clear ascending players like Samuel and defensive end Nick Bosa would be retained with long-term roster planning taking major raises into account. The longtime San Francisco executive recently repeated that his preference would be an agreement with Aiyuk. He was less committal than he has been in cases like that of Samuel and Bosa, however.
“Yeah, there are some challenges,” Lynch said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) when speaking about Aiyuk’s financial situation. “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.”
As Branch notes, right tackle Mike McGlinchey represents a recent example of a young starter who was floated as a trade candidate by the organization before ultimately departing in free agency (something which, in turn, came after DT DeForest Buckner was dealt ahead of the final year of his rookie contract in 2020). Aiyuk’s performances have have out-paced those of McGlinchey during his final 49ers years, and he would generate a highly competitive market if he were to reach free agency next spring. The Arizona State product has indicated he would prefer to remain in the Bay Area beyond 2024, but talks on a new deal will be worth following closely this offseason.
Plenty of time remains for the parties to come to an agreement, but the fact Lynch has not offered the same public assurances of an Aiyuk deal as he has in other cases is notable. Coming off a Super Bowl defeat, San Francisco’s short- and long-term roster-building efforts will hinge in large part on the team’s ultimate decision with respect to his future.
Love Aiyuk, he’s a great route runner, got good speed, good hands and can run and pass block as good if not better than any WR in the game. But I wouldn’t be opposed to trading him for a 1st and taking a WR with that pick. Go younger and cheaper. If I had to pick between Deebo and Aiyuk though I’d take Aiyuk because he’s more durable, a little younger and doesn’t take the beatings Deebo takes. Would rather us trade Deebo, draft a WR, resign Jennings and extend Aiyuk. But that’s just me. Curious to see how this plays.
The Niners should keep both those guys and have Kittle take a pay cut. The TE has averaged less than 3 catches per playoff game and scored just 2 TDs in 12 post season contests.
Probably because they have a weak oline or scheme and he has to be in to block. If they trade Aiyuk they may get a back end 1st but not like AJ Brown level 1st.
They also have to pay Jennings as some team will sacrifice the pick since he is a RFA if they don’t match.
Kittle isn’t Travis I don’t block Kelce. He is actually TE not a WR playing tight end. The only block Kelce made was on his coach.
$15MM per year for a TE that blocks seems a bit steep.
Little is constantly kept in to block, his lack of production is not a reflection of him
I would trade both and upgrade everywhere else. Purdy’s cheap now, they’ll need another RB soon and Kittle’s almost done. Spending 50+ million on 2 WR’s is not wise and usually does not lead to a title.
Deebo makes too much for them to trade him. His dead money will still stay and he is a specialty player that works for 9ers. His limited route running is not what most teams want. He isn’t a #1 wr but gets paid like it.
They probably can’t keep him with the way the WR market is nowadays. What’s his value? 18 plus a year?
They really don’t have much beyond 2024, they can easily sign him to an extension
I doubt Aiyuk would get wide receiver 1 money anywhere else – as he benefits a lot from the three ring circus-aspect of the 49ers offense.
Heart would love to keep him but not sure how this can work long-term financially. This one just feels different than Deebo, Bosa etc.
Heard some talk about a trade to Jax for their #17 pick? Would give Niners two first round picks in the draft (WR and O-lineman maybe?). A risk for sure but would seem to be an affordable one worth taking.