For months, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had been looking for a contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid players at his position in the NFL.
It was a situation that threatened to torpedo the 49ers’ Super Bowl hopes this season, and there were times when it looked like he was close to being traded.
But Aiyuk and the Niners have agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension, finally ending the long and unusual saga.
He had been staging a hold-in since the start of training camp but is now contractually tied to San Francisco through the 2028 season, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Finally!! 🚨 🚨 🚨
The #49ers are not trading star WR Brandon Aiyuk — he’s staying in SF with a massive extension, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
Aiyuk is getting a front-loaded 4-year deal worth $120M — done by @RyanWilliamsA1 of @AthletesFirst. And yes, Aiyuk will now practice. pic.twitter.com/2LreDyUDoH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2024
The reaction from fans was mixed, but obviously, Aiyuk has to be thrilled, especially because it looks like staying with the reigning NFC champions was his preferred option.
Just a couple of weeks ago, there were rumors he was headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who reportedly reached the framework of a trade agreement with the 49ers.
That agreement stood, and all the Niners needed to do was make a phone call to Pittsburgh in order to execute it, but now, the Steelers have been left empty-handed.
While plenty of Niners fans are happy with this resolution, others feel Aiyuk, who had 75 receptions, 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season, isn’t worth the extension he just received.
love Aiyuk but he’s not worth that much
— douvy (@douvy_) August 29, 2024
What an insane overpay wow. Not worth what Lamb / Jefferson / Chase get
— Charlie Quinn (@CharlieQuinnMMA) August 29, 2024
The Niners still have to settle an ongoing contract dispute with left tackle Trent Williams, and while the organization now knows what its financials will look like for the next few years, they will have to pay tons of money to keep together their talented cast, including quarterback Brock Purdy at some point.
That 2025 49ers cap is going to be something.
— Nelson (@BelgerNelson) August 29, 2024
Im glad this is over. Good for him.
— Bryan (@BGauvin23) August 29, 2024
Wow, good for Aiyuk and the 49ers. Thought for sure he’d get moved
— Terps Recruiting (@TerpRecruiting) August 29, 2024
Next offseason, the 49ers likely will face the prospect of giving Purdy a hefty extension of his own, and a few other key players, including cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga, will also be in line for new deals.
NEXT:
Dan Orlovsky Sends Warning To 49ers About Trent Williams
