After all, Brandon Aiyuk is not going anywhere. According to numerous reports, the wide receiver and the San Francisco 49ers reached an agreement on a four-year, $120 million contract extension on Thursday. This resolved a months-long impasse and increased rumors that the Super Bowl contender may be splitting ways with one of its biggest stars.
This week, despite Aiyuk’s medical clearance from team personnel, the impasse between the two teams became more urgent. General manager John Lynch stated on Wednesday, “At some point, you gotta play.”
Now that “Monday Night Football” against the New York Jets is just 11 days away, the 49ers have their top target back in the fold. Everything 49ers: the most recent information on injuries, schedule, roster, statistics, and other team-related news. Aiyuk is now tied for fifth place among the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers, earning $30 million annually.
According to several sources, the 49ers held trade discussions with other teams about their top receiver in early August, despite having insisted since the NFL draft in April that they had no plans to sell Aiyuk. Aiyuk was reportedly not interested in joining either the New England Patriots or the Cleveland Browns, despite San Francisco having the framework of trades in place with both teams. If Aiyuk and the 49ers couldn’t work out their disagreements during negotiations, the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to be the most likely destination. But now that his new contract is official, the Arizona State first-round selection from 2020 can stay with the team that has helped him grow. He also gets paid more and has long-term security.
According to Lynch, there was no “bad blood” between them, but the inability to reach a deal had been “frustrating” in an earlier August interview with KNBR. However, the 49ers started to feel differently about their plan. The 49ers are known for waiting well into August and even September to finalize extensions with several of its stars in previous years. “I always have hope,” Lynch remarked. Since I’m an optimistic person by nature, I’m constantly hopeful that we will arrive soon. I can assure you that we are eager to welcome him. The time of year is drawing near.”
Aiyuk, 26, showed up for the 49ers training camp, but he had not taken part in any on-field drills while he pursued a long-term contract that would match the highest salary of players in his position. With large long-term extensions, several wide receivers helped change the market this year. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings set the standard at the position with a four-year, $140 million contract.
Aiyuk was scheduled to enter the last year of his deal on his fifth-year option, which was to be worth $14.1 million, in 2023. Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving yards (1,342) for the second straight season. The most important short-term question for last year’s second-ranked offense has been answered with Aiyuk back in the fold. But Trent Williams, an All-Pro left tackle, is still holding out for a new contract.
