Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver, is signed with the San Francisco 49ers for one more season.
However, as he enters the fully guaranteed fifth year option of his rookie contract, Aiyuk is also eligible for a
significant contract extension. And, despite the NFL’s significant increase in the pay cap for 2024, the Niners are still
up against that number and may struggle to find the financial resources to satisfy Aiyuk’s legitimate requests.
San Francisco’s general manager, John Lynch, has previously stated that the team hopes to keep its leading receiver
from the previous two seasons for quite some time.
It’s similar to Lynch’s comments about defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in 2020, before dealing him to the
Indianapolis Colts when the two sides couldn’t agree on a contract extension.
Granted, the 49ers are likely to work out a deal with Aiyuk soon. And even if the two cannot reach an agreement, he
is still under contract.
But, if the Niners wanted to maximize their return, what might a potential deal look like?
Unfortunately, Aiyuk does not have the same level of name recognition as other prominent wide receivers in the
league, such as Davante Adams and Justin Jefferson. Most NFL fans are more familiar with Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk’s
teammate, than with Aiyuk.
Still, there are plenty of teams in need of assistance, and 31 other teams witnessed what Aiyuk could do for San
Francisco in the run-up to the Super Bowl last season.
The first stage for Lynch and Co. would be to find a suitor.
The Kansas City Chiefs sorely need a No. 1 wide receiver. However, given that Kansas City might easily be a club the
49ers face in the Super Bowl again in February 2025, that possibility should be crossed off the list.
In fact, Lynch may not want to trade within the NFC anyhow.
The New York Jets may be a good option, especially given that quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs receiving help and
the Niners have links to head coach Robert Saleh. However, Gang Green, like San Francisco, is suffering with salary
cap issues and will most likely be unable to provide Aiyuk the contract he seeks.
