San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is in talks for a contract extension. Despite trade rumors, Aiyuk and the 49ers are working towards a long-term deal, with discussions expected to continue after the Fourth of July holiday.
- Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers had a productive meeting, signaling progress toward a contract extension.
- Aiyuk has never requested a trade, and the 49ers are not looking to trade him.
- Both sides are expected to resume negotiations after the Fourth of July holiday.
Brandon Aiyuk and 49ers Moving Toward Extension
Brandon Aiyuk, one of the NFL’s standout wide receivers, recently had a “good” meeting with the San Francisco 49ers’ management, signaling positive progress towards a long-term contract extension.
This meeting, requested by Aiyuk himself, has brought a breath of fresh air to a situation that had previously seen tension over contract negotiations.
Productive Contract Talks Between Aiyuk and 49ers
On Monday, Brandon Aiyuk met with the 49ers’ top management to talk about his future with the team.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero said the meeting was productive, and both sides agreed to keep working towards a contract extension.
This development comes after Aiyuk publicly expressed his concerns on social media, stating that the 49ers “don’t want me back.”
@brandonaiyukIm laughing but im crying fr♬ original sound – Brandon Aiyuk
However, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on June 17 that the 49ers want to retain Aiyuk despite the financial disagreements.
Pelissero expects both parties to take a break for the Fourth of July holiday before getting back to negotiations. This break offers a short pause before the next round of talks.
Aiyuk Trade Rumors and Contract Aspirations Explained
Trade rumors surrounding Aiyuk have been circulating since the 2024 NFL Draft, but Pelissero clarified that Aiyuk has never requested a trade. The 49ers have received calls regarding his availability but have consistently maintained their stance on keeping him.
Aiyuk, the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is set to earn $14.1 million in 2024, the final year of his rookie contract after the team exercised his fifth-year option.
Aiyuk is reportedly seeking a contract comparable to the four-year, $120 million extension recently signed by Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions.
Considering his impressive performance over the past two seasons, this would align Aiyuk’s earnings with his peers.
Aiyuk’s Performance and Future Prospects
Aiyuk, 26, is coming off a career-best season, recording 1,342 yards, 75 catches, and seven touchdowns. He has achieved back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, cementing his status as a top receiver.
Despite skipping the offseason program, including the mandatory minicamp, Aiyuk remains a key player for the 49ers.
The 49ers have a history of resolving similar situations with their players. In 2022, they handled a trade request from receiver Deebo Samuel by eventually working out an extension.
Similarly, in 2023, defensive end Nick Bosa was held out of training camp before securing a landmark deal. Now, it appears Aiyuk is next in line for a long-term commitment.
Negotiation and Possible Outcomes
Both Aiyuk and the 49ers are focused on finding a solution. Aiyuk’s recent social media posts, including one about trade talks with the Washington Commanders, show he wants to stay with the team.
Even though their financial agreement still has a gap, there is plenty of time to work out a deal that reflects Aiyuk’s worth.
Right now, the 49ers are not looking to trade Aiyuk. Talks with the Commanders before the draft didn’t go anywhere, and the team remains focused on extending Aiyuk’s contract. The next few weeks will be important as both sides aim to reach a deal that works for everyone.
The recent meeting between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers’ management is a positive step towards resolving the contract issue.
Both parties are willing to keep talking after the holiday, raising hopes for a long-term deal that keeps Aiyuk with the 49ers.
