Brandon Aiyuk’s Contract Extension: Who Wins and Who Loses
After much anticipation, Brandon Aiyuk is set to stay with the San Francisco 49ers for the foreseeable future.
After months of intense talks that even included potential trades with other teams and mixed messages, the promising fifth-year wide receiver has signed a four-year extension reportedly worth up to $120 million, including $76 million guaranteed. This puts an end to one of the more unusual contract disputes in the NFL in recent times.
However, the implications of this deal are significant and will likely impact various stakeholders in Silicon Valley and beyond. Here are some parties that may benefit or face challenges from Aiyuk’s new contract:
WINNERS
Brandon Aiyuk
Of course! Coming off his best performance to date with 75 receptions, 1,342 yards, and 7 touchdowns, Aiyuk has yet to earn accolades like All-Pro or Pro Bowler, nor has he been the top target in the 49ers’ dynamic offense. Nonetheless, he now joins the ranks of wide receivers such as A.J. Brown and Tyreek Hill with an average annual extension surpassing $30 million, all signed this offseason.
Brock Purdy
Following his remarkable rookie year in 2022, Purdy made further progress by becoming a Pro Bowler in 2023, with Aiyuk playing a crucial role in his development. Over the 20 regular-season games since Purdy took over as San Francisco’s starting quarterback in Week 13 of 2022, the two have connected for 94 passes, totaling 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns. Aiyuk emerged as the primary receiving threat last season, surpassing Deebo Samuel. Now that Aiyuk is secured, Purdy, who may be looking at his own lucrative extension next year, has his dynamic playmaker back as they aim for a Super Bowl return while establishing his own value on the field.
John Lynch
Be it Aiyuk, Samuel, or other key players like Nick Bosa and George Kittle, Lynch, in his eighth year as San Francisco’s GM, continues to enhance his reputation for successfully locking down his stars—typically during the summer, often right before the start of the season.
Tee Higgins
Statistically, Tee Higgins’ track record closely resembles Aiyuk’s, having caught 269 passes for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns over four seasons. Despite often being the third option in the Bengals’ offense, he has 257 catches for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns in the same time frame. Currently burdened by a $21.8 million franchise tag this season, it’s clear that deals like Aiyuk’s will likely result in a hefty payday for Higgins in 2025, particularly as he is expected to enter free agency by then.
2024 49ers
Since the 2019 season began, the 49ers have reached two Super Bowls and four NFC Championship games. They appear closer than ever to securing that elusive sixth Lombardi Trophy after narrowly losing Super Bowl 58 six months ago, especially now that they’ve retained one of their deadliest offensive weapons in a season that could be perceived as a “Last Dance,” given that they might lose important players in 2025 when it will be Purdy’s time to negotiate.
Trent Williams
While Aiyuk reported to training camp, the All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams has been holding out to negotiate a pay raise of his own, especially with contracts for players at his position seeing increases thanks to deals signed by stars like Tristan Wirfs and Penei Sewell. With Aiyuk’s situation resolved, attention now turns to how Lynch can manage the salary cap to ensure the return of what many consider the team’s best player just in time for the “Monday Night Football” season opener against the New York Jets on September 9.
LOSERS
Trent Williams
With three years left on his contract that lacks any guarantees and averages just over $23 million annually, Williams, acknowledged as a top tackle, ranks sixth at his position. At 36 years old, he’ll need time to get back into playing shape while seemingly being overlooked due to the focus on Aiyuk’s deal. It’s worth noting, however, that the 49ers offense, especially with Purdy and RB Christian McCaffrey, has proven to be significantly different when Williams is not on the field.
2024 NFC contenders
Just as it appeared that the top team in the conference might be struggling with its roster challenges, these issues are being resolved. Although the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers remain capable of upsetting the 49ers, having narrowly missed in the 2023 playoffs, they will also face competition from the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and possibly more in 2024. If Williams can be appeased and with Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw back in good standing, the 49ers are poised for a robust season ahead.
If players can regain their peak forms after injuries, the San Francisco team will undoubtedly be difficult to overcome.
Ja’Marr Chase
Chase, who plays alongside Higgins on the Bengals, is also aiming to exceed the illustrious $30 million per year mark typically associated with top wide receivers. Unlike Aiyuk, Lamb, and Jefferson, who have one year left on their rookie contracts, Chase, the No. 5 overall pick in 2021, still has two years remaining on his deal. Additionally, Bengals owner Mike Brown is known for being stringent about contract negotiations. With daily updates about Chase’s practice status emerging from Cincinnati, this situation has become a key financial narrative to follow.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
The current and future starting quarterbacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers – particularly Fields, who seems set for that role – won’t be adding Aiyuk to a passing game that could certainly benefit from more options beyond standout WR George Pickens. Aiyuk had originally favored a move to Pittsburgh if negotiations in the Bay Area fell through, but now the Steelers are left feeling more like mere pawns in this situation.
Deebo Samuel
With Aiyuk securing a hefty contract, Samuel becomes the secondary wide receiver on the team – a status reflected in his own contract that averages $23.85 million annually until its expiration in spring 2026. How will this situation evolve? Is there a possibility that Samuel could be cut from the roster next spring, especially with the need to invest in Purdy and considering this year’s first-round selection of Ricky Pearsall, another receiver with a different playing style? Stay alert for updates.
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Stay updated with YSL News Sports’ Nate Davis on X, previously known as Twitter, @ByNateDavis.