After much speculation regarding his destination, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will end up with the San Francisco 49ers after both parties agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract extension. The new deal includes $76 million in guaranteed money.
Aiyuk’s new contract ties him in fifth place (with Tyreek Hill) among the highest-paid NFL wide receivers in terms of annual average. He’s also among the several pass-catchers who received massive contract extensions this offseason, highlighted by Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
As ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, it’s the contract the 49ers offered on August 12 before the trade rumors surfaced. Multiple reports revealed that the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers were vying for Aiyuk’s services.
BREAKING: 49ers, WR Brandon Aiyuk agree to 4-year, $120M extension ($76M in guarantees).
— NFL (@NFL) August 29, 2024
(via @mikegarafolo + @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/eRXnXZVab7
The All-Pro wideout declined the Patriots’ offer, even if they offered the most money. The Browns withdrew their bid, while the Steelers couldn’t finalize some agreed trade parameters.
Trade rumors of Aiyuk to the Washington Commanders also surfaced because of his good ties with his former teammate, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Aiyuk’s return solidifies the 49ers offense as one of the NFL’s best. In addition to him, they have First-Team All-Pro tight end George Kittle, fellow All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel, reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, and Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy.
Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a season wherein he tallied 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. In the coming days, he will work immensely to get back into game shape before the 49ers open their season against the New York Jets.
-Lance Fernandez