49ers primed to start negotiations with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk over long-term extension
The San Francisco 49ers have another contract saga looming this offseason, but they are expected to get to work to resolve it in the near future. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is set to play 2024 on his fifth-year option and, with the 49ers having an expensive and top-heavy roster, is regarded as a potential trade […]
The San Francisco 49ers have another contract saga looming this offseason, but they are expected to get to work to resolve it in the near future.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is set to play 2024 on his fifth-year option and, with the 49ers having an expensive and top-heavy roster, is regarded as a potential trade candidate for San Francisco.
Indeed, keeping both Deebo Samuel, who was signed to a three-year, $71 million extension in 2022, and Aiyuk on the same wideout depth chart at high sticker prices has been seen as a challenge that could be beyond the 49ers.
But the Niners are determined to keep hold of Aiyuk, who led the 49ers in receiving yards with his second straight 1,000-yard season in 2023, and are set to start negotiations with the 2020 first-round pick.
Speaking on NFL Network's broadcast of the Combine, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported that he expects the 49ers to begin talks with Aiyuk some time after free agency.
"My understanding is obviously there are teams who would like to trade for the very, very talented young receiver," said Rapoport. "The 49ers firmly believe he is in their plans, I would expect them to get to work on a new deal for him probably after free agency."
That, of course, does not mean the 49ers will get Aiyuk signed imminently.
Typically the 49ers have tended to get big deals done with star players around the start of training camp. There is nothing to suggest they will deviate from that timeline with Aiyuk.
But, with the 49ers boosted by a record increase in the salary cap, a resolution with Aiyuk appears much likelier than it did in the days after the Niners' Super Bowl defeat, when his partner suggested his trip to Levi's Stadium to clean out his locker for the offseason could be his last time there as a Niner.
San Francisco's track record of getting deals done with its top players is excellent, and there appears to be no desire for that to change with a crucial weapon in their offense.
49ers draft target eager for chance to learn from Trent Williams
He’d be the perfect mentor.
