SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up during pregame warm ups prior to the start of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Spotrac estimates that Brandon Aiyuk’s contract extension is anticipated to be approximately $23 million annually.
Each offseason, the San Francisco 49ers grapple with the decision of whether to extend one of their homegrown players, and this year is no exception with wide receiver Brandon
has proven himself as a top-tier receiver in the league, enjoying his most successful season to date. He is just one touchdown away from matching his career high and needs six more receptions to achieve the same. The question remains whether Kyle Shanahan will allow Aiyuk to reach these milestones before potentially pulling him in Week 18 against the Rams. Notably, Aiyuk has surpassed last season’s performance with an additional 300 receiving yards and an average of over five yards more per reception.
As Aiyuk approaches his 26th birthday in March, he is poised for a substantial payday this offseason. Spotrac estimates his market value at $22.8 million per year, with a total contract value of $91.4 million over four seasons. However, Over the Cap projects the 49ers to exceed the NFL’s $242 million salary cap for the next season, prompting discussions about potential trades involving Aiyuk or other star players.
One intriguing possibility is the Jacksonville Jaguars, which aligns well from a football perspective, especially considering a proposed trade by Bleacher Report that would pair Aiyuk with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The suggested trade involves Aiyuk joining the Jaguars in exchange for at least a first-round pick and additional compensation.
Despite having Aiyuk under contract for the next year due to the fifth-year option, valued at $14.1 million, there are scenarios where the 49ers might part ways with him. This includes the possibility of Aiyuk holding out and demanding a new contract or the team deciding to capitalize on the value of a 26-year-old receiver.
While the temptation to explore the strong wide receiver class in the upcoming NFL Draft is present, the 49ers have traditionally found ways to manage the salary cap and retain talent. Aiyuk’s consistent performance and fit within the team’s culture make him a known quantity, potentially making any trade offer significant enough to warrant consideration.
