NFL insider drops major update on 49ers’ contract plans for…

NFL Insider Drops Major Update on 49ers’ Plans for Brandon Aiyuk

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver with the San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are just one game away from winning the Lombardi Trophy, but at the same time, their “priorities” for the offseason are being made public. Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver, is unsure of what will happen to him following the Super Bowl.

After a successful year in his career, Aiyuk deserves a large contract. Due to salary cap restrictions, a lot of the conjecture has been on how the 49ers will have to let him go; nevertheless, NFL media source Ian Rapoport recently revealed that re-signing Aiyuk is a “priority” for the team.

Going into his fifth year of option, he had another season with 1000 yards and 18 yards per grab. According to what I gather, the San Francisco 49ers consider this to be a top contractual priority. Long-term retention is their goal, Rapoport stated on January 28.

Aiyuk has established himself as one of the NFL’s top downfield threats over the last two years. However, San Francisco has a number of other lucrative contracts, so clearing space won’t be simple.

Even though it might hurt other players, Aiyuk’s relationship with quarterback Brock Purdy is undeniable. Maintaining the unity of the offensive core is just as crucial as maintaining any other unit on the field.

49ers Salary Cap Situation

As of right now, Spotrac indicates that the 49ers have just $1.37 million in cap space available. Basically, whether or not they extend Aiyuk, they won’t have much leeway and will already need to create room.

Having said that, they can create space by using obvious exchanges, releases, and general contract gimmicks. I think of linebacker Dre Greenlaw. As good as he has been, Matthew Davis of Heavy has noted that San Francisco may save up to $7 million by dealing him.

In such a trade, they should also get a respectable quantity of resources in exchange. The 49ers front staff doesn’t even have to release players, which is crazy.

Later on, there would be even more wage cap tightness, but there could be significant financial gain if salaries were converted to bonuses. For instance, the conversion of WR Deebo Samuel’s deal may free up $15.8 million in room. OT Trent Williams’ contract would allow for this, freeing up an additional $15 million.

Aiyuk’s Upcoming Contract

Whether it’s a good or bad thing, AIYUK has had his greatest season in the league during contract time. The 49ers would much rather make a decision about his future this summer, even though they can keep him for another year any way.

According to Spotrac, he would likely sign a new contract that would pay him about $23 million year and keep him on for an additional four years.

That is expensive, but Aiyuk has proven he is worth it, and receiver contracts have increased significantly over the last five years.

Backloading his agreement will also improve their salary cap predicament. San Francisco could pay him, let’s say, half of that projected $23 million in the first year, and divide the remaining amount over the next several years.

This would enable the 49ers to retain the majority of the squad while keeping an eye on Samuel’s and other players’ circumstances following the 2024 season, when Aiyuk’s contract increases in salary.

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