How Jefferson’s record deal impacts 49ers’ negotiations with Aiyuk originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
On Monday, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson agreed to a four-year $140 million contract extension, including $110 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL and resetting the pay scale for the NFL’s wide receiver market.
Meanwhile, there has been no news in Santa Clara regarding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s pending extension with the 49ers, but Jefferson’s new deal could help push things forward. With the ceiling now set for receiver salaries, Aiyuk’s representation and the club should have a better understanding of where quarterback Brock Purdy’s No. 1 target’s compensation should range.
Aiyuk and Jefferson have been connected since they both were selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft — Aiyuk at No. 25 and Jefferson at No. 22. While they both have had successful starts to their professional careers, the LSU product has been in a category of his own.
Jefferson is only the fifth player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards receiving or more in his first four seasons, joining former New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Evans, former Cincinnati Bengals wideout A.J. Green and Hall of Famer Randy Moss.
Aiyuk posted 1,000-plus-yard performances in each of his last two seasons — 1,015 in 2022 and 1,342 in 2023. The Arizona State product’s fourth season also included a second-best 17.9 yards per reception during the 49ers run to a Super Bowl LVIII appearance
Aiyuk also was voted NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his eight-reception, 129-yard and two-touchdown performance in the Week 1 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping him earn second-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his professional career.
Jefferson, however, is more highly decorated, which led to his record-breaking payday. The Vikings wideout is a three-time Pro Bowler, 2022…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jeffersons-record-deal-impacts-49ers-195044174.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-06-03 19:50:44
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