The extension standoff between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, is over. After months of negotiations, which included the 49ers considering trade offers for Aiyuk, the two sides came to terms on a new deal.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Aiyuk will sign a four-year deal worth $120 million. It comes with $76 million in guaranteed money and makes Aiyuk one of the Top 5 highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL at $30 million annually.
Reportedly, Aiyuk accepted the same deal that the 49ers have proposed several weeks ago.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Aiyuk, who was the first-round pick in 2020, decided to report for the training camp but not participate in practices in what is called a “hold-in” situation until he receives a new deal. He also tried to push the deal forward by asking for a trade.
At one point, the 49ers allowed Aiyuk to look for a trade, and several teams showed interest, including the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns. The Patriots were also willing to give him a new deal that averaged $32 million annually.
However, Aiyuk opted to pass on the Pats’ offer, preferring to stick with a team that gives him a chance to compete for a Super Bowl rather than go to one that is in rebuilding mode.
After a somewhat slower start to his pro career, Aiyuk became one of the 49ers’ top offensive weapons in the past couple of years. That was particularly the case in 2023 when he finished the campaign with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.
