After requesting a trade and holding out of preseason, Brandon Aiyuk has agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers, making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
After a protracted contract standoff, Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement on a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract extension, according to multiple reports.
The deal features $76 million in guaranteed money, making Aiyuk one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. He will receive an average annual salary of $30 million, joining an elite group of star receivers who have inked massive extensions this offseason.
Brandon Aiyuk Signs Lucrative Extension with San Francisco 49ers
Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb, Detroit Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson are among the receivers who have received significant pay raises. Jefferson, the NFL's highest-paid wideout, will earn $35 million per season, followed by Lamb ($34 million), Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown ($32 million), and St. Brown ($30 million).
Aiyuk's contract roller coaster reached its peak this week when he reportedly requested a trade, citing a lack of progress in extension talks. The Pittsburgh Steelers were reportedly interested in acquiring Aiyuk, but the deal required his signature due to the presence of an extension in the package.
Brandon Aiyuk Signs Lucrative Extension with San Francisco 49ers
However, Aiyuk's decision to sit out the preseason ultimately proved to be the right move. He has now secured his long-term future in San Francisco, becoming a cornerstone of their potent offense.
Aiyuk's absence from practice on Wednesday raised tensions between both sides, with 49ers GM John Lynch expressing frustration. However, the 49ers now have their top receiving threat locked in for Week 1 of the regular season.
Brandon Aiyuk Signs Lucrative Extension with San Francisco 49ers
Since July, Aiyuk has been vocal about his desire for an extension, with his fifth-year option set to expire after the 2024 season. The 49ers have a history of dealing with contract disputes, including last offseason's holdout by Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel's trade request in 2022.
Veteran left tackle Trent Williams is also currently holding out, seeking a new deal. Despite these ongoing contract dramas, Aiyuk's extension provides much-needed stability to the team's offense.
Aiyuk has notched back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the 49ers, setting a career high with 1,342 yards on 75 catches and seven touchdowns last season. The team will be hoping he can continue his impressive production and help them return to the Super Bowl.
With Aiyuk secured, the 49ers can now focus on their season opener against the New York Jets on "Monday Night Football" in Week 1. Quarterback Brock Purdy will be hoping to have his blindside protected by Williams, while head coach Kyle Shanahan will be relieved to see his No. 1 receiver back on the field.
The 49ers' offensive weapons continue to be one of the most potent in the NFL, and Aiyuk's long-term commitment is a major boost to their aspirations for success in 2024 and beyond.
