During this week’s league meetings, 49ers general John Lynch provided a pair of important updates in the case of Brandon Aiyuk. The extension-eligible wideout is not on the trade block at this time, while negotiations on a lucrative new deal are ongoing. 
Aiyuk is under contract for 2024 via the fifth-year option, valued at $14.12MM. A new deal will check in at far higher rate, after the 26-year-old delivered a career year in 2023 (75 catches, 1,342 yards, seven touchdowns). San Francisco already has big-money deals in place for Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, and adding Aiyuk to that list will likely be a cumbersome process.
On that point, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports team and player are “not close” to a deal being finalized at this point. Plenty of time remains for an agreement to be worked out, and Lynch noted acrimony related to finances can dissipate once deals are struck. Samuel’s case is a prime example of that, and the Aiyuk situation has not reached the point of a trade request emerging.
However, the Arizona State product has shown signs of discontent on social media recently, and he has made it clear he is aiming for market value on his next deal. Aiyuk spoke about his contract situation during an appearance on the Nightcap podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson (video link).
“I’m trying to get what I deserve,” Aiyuk said, via Yahoo Sports’ Ian Caselberry. “I feel like this season, this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and a player, what I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization. And just the value I hold when I walk in that building.”
The top of the receiver market has surged in recent years, and an unexpectedly high cap increase for the 2024 offseason will likely help continue that trend. 16 wideouts currently average at least $20MM per season, and Aiyuk will no doubt aim to join that list on his next contract. McCaffrey, Kittle and Samuel are each on the books for two more years, though, and a monster extension for quarterback Brock Purdy is likely not far away.
San Francisco’s accounting on the offensive side of the ball will thus remain worth watching closely. In Aiyuk’s situation, a notable gap appears to exist which will need to be closed if he is to remain a member of the team’s vaunted skill position group beyond the coming campaign.
Can’t fault Aiyuk for wanting to get the most money possible, but he absolutely benefits from being surrounded by All-pro players. When defenses have to account for McCafferey, Kittle, and Samuel as well as Aiyuk, he’s going to be open more than he would be on lesser teams. Also not a fan of the way he words this. Seems very selfish for the epitome of a team sport.
Aiyuk is deserving of a nice salary bump but players need to learn that using social media to voice their frustrations isn’t going to accomplish anything positive. As you pointed out they just come off looking selfish. You’re paying an agent to represent you so let him do the job instead of creating animosity that will only work again you in negotiations.
He learned from Deebo and Bosa…they both held out and eventually got the contract they wanted.
He wants to get his security since he is their 2nd best weapon. Deebo injuries pile up and he isn’t a usual wr & Kittle getting older. CMC has been healthy, but RBs take so many hits.
The scheme helps Aiyuk though. Only 1 team has 2 $20million wrs and that is Tampa.
Most players will stage a holdout or holdin after consulting with their agent but it’s entirely different if a player just goes off to social media half cocked without even giving his agent a heads up. That generally just creates more problems when negotiations take place.
Trade him to a non-contender….then he might realize that he had it great with a first class organization as the Niners. Let your agent represent you.
I see a draft day trade to the steelers
Why would the niners trade him? He’s stuck with them for three years if they want. Steelers first round pick isn’t enough
Haha. I agree with your opening premise but the first round pick comment is hilarious. Aiyuk is a nice player. Would fit in well here in Pittsburgh. But it’s a very deep draft for receivers and breaking the bank for a position which has become a dime a dozen call is laughable.
He only figured out who he was and what he can bring because he got thrown in the dog house for lack of effort and on finishing off his blocking assignments. He acted immature and to his credit he figured out how not to be a problem before he figured out how to be a solution. IMO I’d rather give him $25 mill and trade Debo. I love Debo but him staying healthy enough to play his style is a lot to expect and he doesn’t win one on ones at a high rate for his pay.
Can’t trade Deebo…he kind of only works well in the 9er scheme. Every other team is going to expect him to run routes and win those. I think he also has a huge cap hit.
If you trade Deebo after June 1st, you can save 21 million on the cap.
It’s a net negative if they trade deebo this year. Good thing you aren’t a gm
Post June 1st moves save a ton more on the cap then now. Niners save 21 million this year if Deebo is traded after June 1st.
I’m pretty certain that none of the commenters on PFR are GM’s or highly ranked team employees. We’re football fanatics that love the game, and for some, their team. Maybe 1 or 2 can dominate on HoF level in Madden with injuries and salary cap, but I expect that to be a small percentage.
Honestly, this isn’t news. It’s early in negotiations and this is normal for most contract talks. The Niners aren’t just going to roll over and give him what he wants. They have a number; he has a number, and they have to agree in the middle somewhere. I know they players union wants him to get close to 30 million so Jefferson can push for 35-40 million. I think if he wants to stay in SF, he knows that 24-27 is the more realistic number. He knows that he will stay productive with Purdy at QB and in that system. You leave…. the production may not be there, and you could lose out on some money.
He needs to have more than one great season before asking for the moon.
He most likely would not put up those kind of numbers on a bad team.
He is a great player but put those same numbers up next season and then what you are asking for in salary might be justified.
He is also not getting the same amount of targets then others are so there is a good chance he would still be putting up big numbers on a lesser team. Out of the top 15 WR last year, Lamb was #1 with had 181 targets. Aiyuk had 105 targets which ranks him 15th in that catergory. He was 7th in yards. Give him 181 targets and he is on pace for 129 catches for 2,236 yards.and 12 TD’s.
Thats highly unlikely but I think the point is, more targets, bigger numbers.