Mia O'Brien, a reporter for Jacksonville radio station 1010XL, was the first to link San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. A new report from O'Brien sheds light on the asking price for the star wide receiver, who is entering his fifth-year option.
According to O'Brien, the 49ers sought the No. 17 overall pick, plus wide receiver Zay Jones, in exchange for Aiyuk. However, it seems this asking price was deemed too high for the Jaguars, who would have had to part ways with these assets and commit significant money to Aiyuk in the form of a contract extension.
As I noted on #XLPrimetime: #49ers reportedly would've wanted No. 17 overall + Zay Jones. Then #Jaguars would have to pay Aiyuk. So, fizzling out.
(hopefully this tweet will stop all the random Niners fans who have Facebook friend requested/IG DM'd me in the last 4 days) https://t.co/jm3pEXXxM2
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) March 18, 2024
Jones is entering the final year of the three-year, $24 million deal he signed in 2022. His base salary for 2024 is $7 million, less than half of the $14.1 million guaranteed to Aiyuk.
The Buffalo Bills selected Jones (6-2, 200) out of East Carolina in the second round (No. 37 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. Last season, he recorded 34 receptions for 321 yards and two touchdowns in nine game appearances (seven starts) with the Jaguars, per Pro Football Reference.
If this report is accurate, the 49ers are open to considering offers from interested parties. However, that doesn't mean they are rushing to part ways with their leading receiver from the 2023 season. Ideally, San Francisco aims to negotiate a long-term contract extension with Aiyuk, securing his presence in red and gold for the foreseeable future.
The 49ers are exploring all possibilities and are willing to make tough decisions if it means aligning their financial and roster-building strategies, as evidenced by their decision to allow defensive tackle Arik Armstead to depart for the Jaguars.