There is one key difference between the San Francisco 49ers’ front office and Brandon Aiyuk’s camp as they begin negotiating a new contract to keep the star wide receiver long-term. That’s his value.
Brandon Aiyuk wants to make a lot of money
Aiyuk announced this week his intention to remain with the 49ers and sign a new contract. But Aiyuk said he believes he should be paid what he deserves. Aiyuk made it clear that he deserves a high salary because of the “value” he brings to the 49ers organization by doing right in the locker room and on the field. Mr. Aiyuk agreed to pay more than $30 million a year. That salary would make him one of the highest-paid receivers, if not the highest-paid receiver, at least until Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase’s bills are paid.
The San Francisco 49ers want Aiyuk on a budget
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo, the 49ers tried to extend Aiyuk’s contract this offseason. However, the 49ers and Aiyuk are “not close” to an agreement. Aiyuk and the 49ers want him to stay long-term, but the front office doesn’t think Aiyuk deserves to be paid like the league’s top wide receiver.
“But as far as I’m concerned, (Aiyuk) loves the 49ers and he knows this is a team that will take care of them when it’s their turn, and that he’s going to be the next There’s no reason to feel like that shouldn’t be him. ” Garafolo said. “He believes he’s one of the best wide receivers in the league, so he expects to be paid within that range. And as of now, the 49ers aren’t there yet. Therefore, I think it will take some time before this issue is resolved. ”
Pro Football Focus ranked Aiyuk as the second-best wide receiver last season behind Tyreek Hill. Aiyuk had the seventh-most receiving yards in the 2023 season with 1,342. He added seven touchdown receptions. Aiyuk rushed for 1,015 yards in the 2022 season while playing with three different starting QBs. Aiyuk showed he can be a consistent weapon for the 49ers. The 2020 first-round pick lived up to his draft hype. But is there a difference between a top number one wide receiver and an elite wide receiver like Chase or Jefferson? The 49ers don’t have the funds for the latter, as you can see from the contract they wanted to give Arik Armstead. Will Aiyuk accept the former?
