The San Francisco 49ers' tendency to sign their star players later rather than sooner may persist this offseason. Many teams are closely monitoring the developments regarding Brandon Aiyuk, waiting to see if the 49ers might entertain trading their young wide receiver.
The team's previous contract extensions were typically finalized around the start of training camp, or, as was the case with defensive end Nick Bosa last year, just before the beginning of the regular season. The 49ers aren't expected to begin extensive work on Aiyuk's deal until after the free agency frenzy subsides.
After the 49ers' Super Bowl defeat, when asked if he hopes to remain with the team, Aiyuk was noncommittal, responding, "If that's the right move, yeah."
Members of Aiyuk's inner circle expressed their sentiments after the team's Super Bowl loss, with Aiyuk's girlfriend sharing on TikTok, "This might be the last day we touch foot on Levi's Stadium because we might not be out here next season."
Another member of Aiyuk's inner circle, Draysean Hudson, criticized the game plan for not featuring the receiver more, stating, "This is the exact reason why we leaving San Francisco."
Addressing Aiyuk's contract situation on NFL Network, insider Ian Rapoport stated, "He kind of raised some eyebrows, I would say a little bit, at the end of the season, leaving his future open with the team. My understanding is obviously there are teams who would like to trade for the very, very talented young receiver."
Aiyuk recorded 75 receptions for a team-leading 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. This marked his second consecutive season surpassing the 1,000-receiving-yard mark.
Rapoport adds, "The 49ers firmly, firmly believe he is in their plans. I would expect them to get to work on a new deal for him, probably after free agency."
The #49ers are expected to work on a contract extension for Brandon Aiyuk after free agency, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/L852Y3tkxN
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) March 3, 2024
General manager John Lynch discussed the team's stance on an extension for Aiyuk during his media availability last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
"We have some challenges," Lynch told reporters. "We have a lot of good players, a lot of good players who we've rewarded. Brandon's one that we think incredibly highly of, one of my favorite guys around our building, the way he approaches the game. He's a competitor. He's a warrior. He plays with such physicality, also with grace, in the way some of the positions his body can get into.
"And then he's got a flair for making plays when [they] matter most, and he's served us very well as a franchise. And I think we've got a nice track record of extending the players that are important to us, and Brandon's the guy we want to keep around for a long time."
Analytics site Spotrac.com lists Aiyuk's current market value at an average annual salary of over $24 million.
