Finally, the 49ers have Brandon Aiyuk under wraps. Despite not playing in training camp or preseason games during the summer, Aiyuk and the organization reached an agreement that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, a position with increasing valuations this year. Aiyuk’s contract is for a whopping $120 million over four years, with $76 million guaranteed.
Aiyuk is the sixth receiver to sign a contract worth $30 million or more per year, joining Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, AJ Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill. Except for Hill, all of these contracts were signed during the offseason.
However, several stories indicate that it almost did not happen. Before committing to Aiyuk, the 49ers had a deal in the works that would have sent Aiyuk to the Steelers for second- and third-round picks. That agreement, however, was contingent on the 49ers trading their third-round pick for Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton, who is also seeking a new contract.
The Broncos, however, wanted more in a deal for Sutton and turned down the offer.
49ers Would Have Flipped the Third-Rounder
While it was known that the 49ers were willing to trade Aiyuk, they would not do so until they could find a quality replacement for him. The franchise is facing a salary cap Armageddon after this season, so San Francisco must go all in on 2024 to maximize their Super Bowl chances after falling short against the Chiefs in overtime in February.
Diana Russini of The Athletic reported on the failed Sutton chase.
“The 49ers were only willing to sell Brandon Aiyuk if they could find a top-tier receiver to replace him. They offered Denver a third-round selection in exchange for Courtland Sutton and would have traded Aiyuk to the Steelers, but the Broncos denied the offer,” she stated on Twitter/X.
Albert Breer of SI.com then chipped in: “This scenario, as I understand it, would’ve seen the 49ers acquire second- and third-round picks from Pittsburgh in exchange for Brandon Aiyuk, flipping the third to Denver. The Steelers did not want to trade a player for Aiyuk. All’s well that ends well—SF always preferred to keep Aiyuk.”
Brandon Aiyuk’s contract sets up a tough 2025.
The resolution of the Aiyuk dilemma is a relief for the 49ers, who had wanted to keep Aiyuk all along, as Breer and others reported. Last year, Aiyuk totaled 1,342 yards on 75 catches, making him one of the NFL’s most productive deep-ball receivers.
However, it leaves the 49ers with two concerns to address. The first is immediate: they must secure a contract for Trent Williams, the left tackle who may be as essential to the 49ers as Aiyuk is. Williams is in the fourth year of a six-year, $138 million contract with the 49ers, but much of his remaining salary is not guaranteed.
The 49ers are anticipated to work out a deal that includes a minor wage increase and more guaranteed money for Williams, who was a Pro Bowler for the 12th consecutive year in 2023.
The other challenge will be dealing with the 49ers’ influx of 2025 free agents and new contracts, which includes quarterback Brock Purdy, the majority of the defensive backfield, half of the team’s top offensive lineman, and could perhaps lead to the release of outstanding receiver Deebo Samuel.
But it is for next winter. For the time being, Aiyuk has joined the team, and Williams is the top focus.
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