Brandon Aiyuk has decided to stay with the 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a four-year contract extension worth $120 million, according to various reports. This deal puts an end to months of uncertainty and speculation that the team might part ways with one of its star players just before the season begins.

The situation became more urgent this week as Aiyuk had not participated in practice despite being cleared by the team’s medical staff.

“At some point, you gotta play,” said general manager John Lynch on Wednesday.

With only 11 days left until the opening game against the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football,” the 49ers can now count on their top target to be part of the team.

Aiyuk’s contract makes him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, earning $30 million annually, tying him for sixth place in the league.

Despite the organization stating since the NFL draft in April that they didn’t plan to trade Aiyuk, reports surfaced in early August that the team had discussed trade options with other franchises regarding their star receiver. They even considered potential trades with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. However, Aiyuk was not keen on joining either of those teams, as reported.

If negotiations had failed, the Pittsburgh Steelers were thought to be the most likely team to acquire Aiyuk. But now that the new deal is finalized, the talented player, drafted in the first round in 2020 out of Arizona State, will remain with the franchise that has enabled him to grow, while gaining the financial stability and increase he sought.

In an earlier August interview on KNBR, Lynch expressed that the prolonged negotiations had been “frustrating,” though there was no animosity between the two sides. The 49ers had a history of delaying contract extensions for their stars until late August or even September, but they began to feel a sense of urgency this year.

“I’m always hopeful,” Lynch remarked. “I’m an optimistic person by nature, and I always hope we can reach an agreement soon. We definitely feel the need to have him back. The season is just around the corner.”

Aiyuk, age 26, attended the 49ers training camp but had been sidelined from on-field activities while negotiating a long-term deal that would align his salary with other elite wide receivers. This year, several wideouts have reset market standards with significant contract extensions, with Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings leading the way at four years and $140 million.

In 2023, Aiyuk topped the 49ers with 1,342 receiving yards, achieving this milestone for the second consecutive season. He was set to play the final year of his contract at a fifth-year option that had a value of $14.1 million.

With Aiyuk secured for the new season, the 49ers have resolved a crucial immediate concern, although All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams is still holding out as he seeks a restructured contract.