Brandon Aiyuk’s girlfriend, Rochelle Searight, mentioned in a TikTok video last February that they might not be in San Francisco next season. While unverified, that claim sparked outrage among Niners fans who want their team’s top wideout back. Trade rumors about the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t helping their cause, either.
However, the 49ers have declared that extending Aiyuk’s contract will be their first order of business after the 2024 NFL Draft. San Francisco has the leverage in deferring contract talks because they have exercised Aiyuk’s fifth-year option worth $14.1 million in 2024.
The #49ers will prioritize a contract extension for star WR Brandon Aiyuk after the draft, per @49ersSportsTalk
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 24, 2024
“Both sides want to work things out & the #Niners plan to have Aiyuk on their roster well beyond 2024” pic.twitter.com/TSpwjMTfRh
Even if the Niners don’t do anything, Aiyuk is under contract to play for them in 2024. But they must get an extension before the season starts, or Aiyuk could walk away in free agency next offseason.
The Niners will make a massive mistake in letting Aiyuk leave for nothing. He has improved his performance every season, from 748 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in 2020 to 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season. His 2023 numbers made him a Second Team All-Pro member.
But given the surging prices of the wide receiver market, Aiyuk’s impending contract extension won’t come cheap. His camp can argue for an annual average value of $25 million based on what other wideouts earn.
With San Francisco prioritizing Aiyuk’s extension, they could be willing to meet their top player’s price tag.
-Lance Fernandez