After months of discontent, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension to stay with the San Francisco 49ers, ESPN and NFL Network reported Thursday.
Aiyuk had publicly requested a trade out of San Francisco, garnered interest from multiple teams and conducted a “hold-in” at 49ers practices. The Pittsburgh Steelers were among the front-runners to acquire Aiyuk in a trade and had permission to discuss a long-term contract offer with the 26-year-old.
Aiyuk long contended that he deserved more contract security through a lucrative extension, saying in March that he is “trying to get what I deserve.”
He received that security Thursday, tying Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill for the fifth-highest average annual value among receivers at $30 million per year. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings has the highest average annual salary of $35 million.
Before the extension, Aiyuk was scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on the fifth-year team option linked to his rookie deal.
Aiyuk topped the 49ers with 75 receptions and 1,342 yards and caught seven touchdowns in 16 games in 2023. He has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns in 62 career games (60 starts). He earned second-team All-Pro honors.
The standoff between Aiyuk and the Niners looked dire as recently as Wednesday.
“I’m not going to get into our communication again,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said Wednesday. “At some point, you gotta play.”
Settling the contract dispute could mean Aiyuk will be ready to play in the 49ers’ season opener on Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.
–Field Level Media
