Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) stands next to wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) after the 49ers picked up a first down near the end zone against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Superstar receiver Brandon Aiyuk is far apart in negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers and a trade is still possible this offseason. According to a source, the team is making little progress with the Arizona State product for an extension that would lock him for the next few years. Aiyuk is set to make $14.1 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract. However, at least this season, the 49ers don’t have any plans to trade him or Deebo Samuel.
San Francisco is doing some “planting seeds” after selecting Florida receiver, Ricky Pearsall in the first round. This could have indicated that they’re not looking to commit to Aiyuk or Samuel in a long-term extension. However, it seems likely that they’ll extend Aiyuk while Samuel winds up elsewhere in 2025. The receiver market has been soaring this offseason with A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown receiving long-term mega deals that keep them on the same team for a while.
The Philadelphia Eagles were able to dish out a deal for DeVonta Smith, a contract that averages $25 million per year. However, Aiyuk will probably view himself in the same strata as St. Brown and that may be the expected contract he wants. It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone if he decides to sit out for mandatory camp next month. The team starts their OTA’s this week so no one should see him participating.
