In particular, over the last two years, wideout Brandon Aiyuk has established himself as an important member of the 49ers’ skill-position group.
Though a long-term contract keeping him with the team may be in the works, he will be around for at least one more season.
Aiyuk’s fifth-year option was easily picked up by San Francisco over the offseason, securing his $14.12 million pay for 2024. This year, the 25-year-old established a new career high of 1,342 yards and an average of 17.9 yards per reception, demonstrating the wisdom of that selection.
Unsurprisingly, San Francisco is interested in extending; according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the organisation is prioritising an Aiyuk second contract this summer (video link).
Aiyuk, who was selected 25th overall in the 2020 draft, came into the league with high expectations. Early in his career, he spent some time in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s doghouse, but each season since then, his output has grown.
In 2023, he made over 70 catches, received over 100 targets, and gained at least 1,000 yards for the second year in a row. Thus, the Arizona State product is a strong contender for a multi-year contract; but, reaching a deal will increase the 49ers’ offensive costs.
Running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, and fellow wideout Deebo Samuel are all signed until the 2025 campaign. Because of it and the remaining years on quarterback Brock Purdy’s rookie contract, the 49ers will be able to maintain their present core for the meantime.
However, the latter is available for an extension during the upcoming offseason, and given his performance thus far, he should receive a sizable rise.
In the upcoming years, the 49ers will also have to deal with rising cap hits on Nick Bosa’s record-breaking contract. Those hits are expected to increase to over $20 million in 2025 and over $42 million for the following three years.
Any long-term contract for Aiyuk would, naturally, reduce the team’s future financial options and restrict the resources available to sign offensive linemen and ancillary players.
Nevertheless, the former Arizona State student has established himself as one of the league’s best emerging receivers, positioning him to gain from the position’s booming market.
13 receivers are currently making at least $20 million a year on their current contracts after a significant increase in value during the 2022 offseason. If Aiyuk and the 49ers can work out this spring, he may join that group as well.
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