San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains entrenched in negotiations for a contract extension with the reigning NFC champions.
Leading up to last month’s NFL Draft, there were rumors that Niners general manager John Lynch was exploring the possibility of trading Aiyuk and/or fellow receiver Deebo Samuel.
Of course, the draft came and went, and both remain with the team.
In Aiyuk’s case, that doesn’t mean he’s all of a sudden happy. He clearly wants a new contract that reflects what he feels his value is.
But just how highly does Aiyuk think of himself? … How much money is he looking for?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Aiyuk is looking to break the bank. He’s seeking an extension that exceeds the one the Detroit Lions recently signed Amon-Ra St. Brown to.
Following his impressive All-Pro season in Detroit, St. Brown inked a massive four-year, $120 million extension with Dan Campbell’s Lions.
Aiyuk reportedly wants those types of numbers – at minimum.
Aiyuk, who enjoyed a stellar 2023 season with 1,342 receiving yards and a second-team All-Pro distinction, understandably wants secured stability with the 49ers.
Lynch finds himself in a tricky situation.
After all, San Francisco is argubaly the most talented team on paper in the entire NFL. They have stars everywhere you look on both offense and defense.
While it’s a good “problem” to have, the fact of the matter is Lynch needs to tip-toe the salary cap carefully – especially since he will soon have to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a top-level contract.
Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He’s proven to be a valuable piece of the 49ers offensive attack.
Lynch certainly wants to keep him. But he knows he can’t be reckless in contract negotiations.
“I’m doing everything in my power to keep our roster together. That’s my goal. And I don’t question that,” Lynch said. “I’ve got so much belief. When you’ve got Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo, those are guys we drafted. They’re guys we take a lot of pride in who they’ve become. We couldn’t be more proud of those guys.”
“Part of my job is to think about the now and to think into the future, as well … We don’t do that without thinking, ‘Can these guys contribute right away?’ We have a vision for both those guys [2024 draft picks Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing], how they can contribute,” Lynch added.
“They represent a lot of the qualities we like. They were the best players there for us at the time. We’re thrilled to add those guys to an already strong room. We’re ready to roll forward.”
In other words, Lynch is smartly covering his tracks in case he ultimately has to bid farewell to Aiyuk.
What do you think of Aiyuk’s reported contract demands?
Do you think he’s worth the type of deal that St. Brown got from the Lions.
At the end of the day, will Lynch and the 49ers be able to agree to an extension with Aiyuk? … Or are his days in a San Francisco uniform numbered???