Kyle Juszczyk is participating in the American Century Championship golf tournament in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area caught up with the fullback to discuss the offseason's hottest San Francisco 49ers-related topic—the contract standoff with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is slated to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option in 2024. However, that amount is well below market value, with multiple receivers now earning $30 million or more annually. Aiyuk understandably wants to be on that list. At the same time, the 49ers are hesitant to pay their star player such a high salary, especially considering quarterback Brock Purdy will become the team's highest-paid player next year.
"I totally see it from both sides," Juszczyk told Maiocco, per Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports Bay Area. "I support [Aiyuk] as a friend and as a teammate to try and get whatever he thinks he deserves and what he wants, and what is going to make him the most comfortable going forward.
"I really do think they will get it done with the Niners because he wants to be a Niner, they want him to be a Niner, and those are the two most important things. When you have that want on both sides, I think eventually you'll get it done."
Aiyuk is deserving. He has established himself as the 49ers' top receiver after back-to-back seasons surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. Aiyuk's 1,342 receiving yards last season were a career-high and led the team. He has been the 49ers' leading receiver for two consecutive seasons.
However, it is tough to pay everyone in an offense that features several playmakers. ESPN recently named the 49ers' playmakers as the best in the NFL. In addition to Aiyuk, the group features running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and tight end George Kittle, all earning top-tier money at their positions.
Aiyuk reportedly seeks a deal similar to that of Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, which pays approximately $30 million annually. The 49ers' last offer to Aiyuk would reportedly pay the receiver $26 million annually, so the two sides remain apart.
Juszczyk isn't alone in thinking that the two sides will eventually resolve their differences. Kittle recently stated that he isn't concerned either.
"Aiyuk's a phenomenal football player who's a big part of our offense, and he's one of the most complete receivers that I've ever played with," Kittle told Rich Eisen this week. "So I'm gonna assume that Aiyuk's gonna be on our team by the time the season starts."
Aiyuk and the rest of the 49ers veterans are required to report to training camp on July 23. The big question is: Will he be there?
