Brandon Aiyuk contends the 49ers want their star wide receiver on the cheap, and he's having none of it.
San Francisco retains Aiyuk's services in 2024 on a fifth-year option that guarantees him $14.1 million, but Aiyuk contends he should be paid much more, commensurate with his standing as one of the league's premier wide receivers.
Yes, Aiyuk would command far more than $14.1 million on the open market, but he can't test it until next year.
Currently, Aiyuk is the 71st highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Let's put that in perspective. The league has 32 teams. On average, every team is paying two receivers more than Aiyuk is slated to receive in 2024, even though Aiuyk is a second-team All-Pro receiver. He's deserving of a big pay raise.
Aiyuk's agent is reportedly negotiating with the 49ers management on a contract extension, but both sides have not agreed on a sticker price. What if they can't reach an agreement? What if Aiyuk becomes a distraction and disrupts team chemistry to force a trade? What if the 49ers were to trade Aiyuk, their self-described Lamborghini?
San Francisco has Super Bowl aspirations this year. Trading Aiyuk for future draft picks does not immediately improve the 49ers' roster or get them closer to becoming the NFL's next Super Bowl champs. If San Francisco were to trade Aiyuk, they would want a player—or players—in return.
Dealing Aiyuk to the Las Vegas Raiders for Davante Adams might be a win-win proposition. The Raiders would get a younger, ascending player, and Aiyuk would get a contract extension commensurate with being the team's No. 1 receiver.
The Raiders would also rid themselves of a disgruntled player, the 49ers would acquire one of the league's most productive wideouts—one who can play outside or in the slot, and Adams gets to play for a Super Bowl contender.
The Niners would be on the hook for $17.5 million this year if they were to acquire Adams. Davante's current contract with the Raiders runs through 2026, but the final two years don't have salary guarantees.
The Niners would exchange a one-year lease on their Lamborghini for Davante's Inferno.
From a cap management perspective, signing Aiyuk to a four-year contract extension makes sense. San Francisco could then convert his salary to a signing bonus and free cap space that the 49ers could carry into next year to sign Brock Purdy. The 49ers could do the same if they acquired Davante Adams.
The Niners would likely need to add a sweetener to a deal for Adams because the Raiders would be responsible for $23.55 million in pro-rated signing bonuses.
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The likeliest scenario is that the 49ers find common ground with Aiyuk, agree to a contract extension, and keep their Lamborghini on the racetrack for years.