The San Francisco 49ers are going to have a decision to make with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this spring.
Coming off a breakout performance in 2023, Aiyuk is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. He’s in line for what promises to be a huge pay day if the 49ers are able to work it out financially.
That’s the biggest question right now. Rumors continue to point to a potential blockbuster trade rather than San Francisco handing out another big-money contract.
It makes sense from a logical perspective. The 49ers have some of the highest-paid players at their respective positions in the NFL. That includes running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, left tackle Trent Williams, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
At some point, the 49ers are going to have to cut costs somewhere. After all, they are a mere $8.57 million under the 2024 NFL salary cap.
Related: Ideal Brandon Aiyuk trade scenarios from the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch talks potential Brandon Aiyuk contract
Lynch got real in talking about the difficulties that could come with extending Aiyuk this offseason. He did not hold back.
“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
Set to turn 25 in March, Aiyuk is considered one of the best young receivers in the game. He played a huge role in Brock Purdy’s development for the reigning NFC Champions this past season. In fact, the young signal caller boasted an absurd 124.0 QB rating when targeting Aiyuk.
Obviously, Aiyuk’s importance to the 49ers can’t be overstated. The question here are the financials. As Lynch noted, there are some challenges that come with potentially handing him a huge long-term contract.
Currently, Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins is the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL at $30 million annually. Las Vegas Raiders’ Davante Adams comes in second at $28 million per season.
Aiyuk is likely looking at north of $25 million per season on a new deal. That would put him in A.J. Brown territory.