NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Three possible outcomes from Aiyuk’s 49ers contract standoff originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Does it make sense for the 49ers to devote another $30 million annually (or somewhere in that neighborhood) to a wide receiver?
That is what San Francisco must determine as second-team All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk skips the team’s mandatory minicamp to apply leverage toward landing a new contract in line with the top players at his position.
Aiyuk is under contract for the upcoming 2024 NFL season at a cost of $14.1 million. His next contract could reward him with average pay at a level twice that amount. That is why Aiyuk remained away from the 49ers’ offseason program, including the team’s mandatory minicamp, which opened Tuesday.
Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving the past two seasons, totaling 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is now considered one of the top receivers in the NFL.
But the 49ers already have Deebo Samuel. And, Samuel and Jauan Jennings are under contract for the next two seasons.
Moreover, first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall will have a four-year deal with the club option for a fifth season.
The going rate for a wide receiver of Aiyuk’s status is pushing $30 million a season. But the 49ers must weigh if paying the price to retain Aiyuk on a long-term contract makes sense for them at this time.
Here are the 49ers’ three options for dealing with the Aiyuk situation:
1, Contract extension
The 49ers have entered into lucrative, long-term contract extensions with star players in each of the previous four years.
They worked out deals with tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner, Samuel and defensive end Nick Bosa. It is easy to assume that the same pattern will hold and Aiyuk will get his contract at some point right around the start of training camp or the regular season.
But that is certainly not a slam dunk.
What makes this a little more intriguing is that the 49ers have already paid Samuel, and general manager John…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/three-possible-outcomes-aiyuks-49ers-155806500.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-06-05 15:58:06
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
