The San Francisco 49ers have some pretty significant issues to deal with this offseason in the form of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s contract extension negotiations.
He is entering the final year of his current contract, and losing him would be a major blow to the team’s hopes of winning a Super Bowl championship.
The two sides are not that close to a deal yet and, according to Ari Meirov, Aiyuk is taking these negotiations “personally” and was scheduled to meet with the organization on Monday.
#49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk said. @Realrclark25 He said he considers the negotiations “personal” and that the proposals so far have had an impact on him. Aiyuk’s first choice would be to stay in San Francisco, but he’s comfortable playing elsewhere if they’re willing to trade him.
Aiyuk is in a meeting… pic.twitter.com/esaGp9EhYB
— Ari Mayloff (@MySportsUpdate) June 24, 2024
Aiyuk has become a top weapon in the 49ers’ passing game over the past few years, throwing for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.
The wide receiver market across the NFL has exploded. That means the NFL will have to open their bank vaults to keep him around.
They have arguably the most talented roster in the league, but keeping that core together will be difficult because the league’s salary cap is so tight.
The fruitless extension talks with Aiyuk have led to rumors that he could possibly be traded this offseason, and if those rumors spread, the 49ers will certainly not be the same team.
Another option San Francisco could have is to eventually trade fellow wideout Deebo Samuel if they reach an agreement with Aiyuk to stay within the NFL’s hard salary cap.
Aiyuk, 26, just completed his fourth professional season and was selected No. 25 in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Niners.
next:
George Kittle pays great tribute to Brock Purdy.
