The San Francisco 49ers hold significant leverage in their negotiations with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk is under contract for the upcoming season, and the team can use the franchise tag to retain him in 2025 and 2026. Despite this, both parties would benefit from agreeing to a contract extension.
For the 49ers, extending Aiyuk's contract would mean keeping one of their rising stars, potentially lowering his 2024 salary cap figure of $14.124 million. For Aiyuk, a long-term deal would provide financial security. However, compromise will likely be necessary to break the current stalemate.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter discussed the 49ers-Aiyuk situation on Ohio-based radio station 97.1 The Fan this week.
"I would expect that he's in a Niners uniform [this season]," Schefter stated. "The question is, is it going to be beyond this year? He's under contract to them, and why would a Super Bowl-contending team trade a starting wide receiver for a future draft pick? Not going to do that. That doesn't do anything to help you win a Super Bowl this year."
Aiyuk recently met with the 49ers at his request. Although the two sides reportedly had a "good" conversation, there has been no progress toward finalizing a deal.
Two years ago, Aiyuk's friend and teammate, Deebo Samuel, faced similar negotiations with the 49ers, leading to a trade request out of frustration. Aiyuk's situation has yet to reach that level.
"I don't expect that they're trading him," Schefter declared. "That's not what I'm expecting right now. Whether they can get a contract worked out or not, that's a different issue. They've been talking. It doesn't seem like they're close right now. Those things can heat up pretty quickly."
Aiyuk did not attend the 49ers' mandatory minicamp last month, subjecting himself to $101,716 in fines. He and his veteran teammates are expected to report to training camp on July 23. If Aiyuk chooses not to attend, it would send a strong message to the team but subject him to additional fines.
"We'll see how that goes, but right now, no deal. He's under contract, and he's going to have to play the season under the deal that he has right now," Schefter concluded.