We are nearing July and there’s still no clear-cut end to all of the drama surrounding the Brandon Aiyuk situation.
Immediately following the San Francisco 49ers’ heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, Aiyuk (and his family and friends) hinted at how unhappy he was with his contract situation.
The following months were filled with rumors and speculation.
There were reports that Niners general manager John Lynch shopped Aiyuk around and was more than willing to deal him, especially around draft time.
However, the draft has come and gone and Aiyuk is still a Niner.
One thing that has changed since April’s draft is the wide receiver money market.
Hungry for a lucrative extension, Aiyuk had to sit and watch as fellow receivers Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Nico Collins all secured massive deals.
Currently, Aiyuk is set to earn $14.124 million this season under his fifth-year option.
While Aiyuk is not quite on Jefferson’s level, his value to San Francisco’s offense is clear as day. He’s reportedly seeking an extension that will pay him around $30 million annually.
Aiyuk’s college teammate, Jayden Daniels, has been publicly pushing for the Washington Commanders to make a move for his buddy.
CBS Sports reports that the Chargers, Steelers, Patriots and Cardinals are also possible landing sports for the All-Pro playmaker.
Aiyuk has been feeding into the drama with his recent social media activity.
However, despite all of the speculation and gossip, the 49ers are reportedly dead-set on keeping Aiyuk in San Francisco.
The two parties recently had a productive meeting and are trying to hammer out an extension.
According to reports, there is a clear financial gap between the two sides.
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky recently spoke in detail about just how valuable Aiyuk is to the Niners.
“There are not more than 3 or 4 receivers in the NFL that are as or more important value wise to their offense than Brandon Aiyuk. This offense can’t and won’t function the same unless he’s on the field,” Orlovsky said.
“How many guys in the league are asked to do as much from the wide receiver spot when it comes to moving all around, attacking the middle of the field, being comfortable, confident, and reliable in the middle of the field, and being a viable threat in the red zone. Also, be as good as any blocking wide receiver in football.”
The 49ers are arguably the most talented team in the entire league.
Of course, being the most talented team means absolutely nothing since games are not played on paper. However, Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are well-aware of just how special of a team they have.
The fact of the matter is Aiyuk is a vital piece of the Niners’ engine – and both sides know it.
“I’m doing everything in my power to keep our roster together. That’s my goal. And I don’t question that,” Lynch previously said.
If you believe the reports, the 49ers will find a way to lock up Aiyuk and ensure he stays in San Francisco for the foreseeable future.
There’s still work to be done at the negotiation table, but it’s hard not to see the two sides ultimately coming to an agreement.
What are your thoughts on the Aiyuk situation?
What type of contract do you think he’s truly deserving of?
From a 49ers’ perspective, do you think they should be open to trading him if they can get a hefty haul back in return?
Or is he simply too valuable to their offense to the point where they can’t afford to not sign him to a lucrative extension???