Brandon Aiyuk Says He Wanted to Stay with the 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk wanted to stay with the 49ers and ultimately chose to remain with the San Francisco team. The 49ers offered Aiyuk a top-10 wide receiver contract worth $26 million per year, which he accepted, signing a Brandon Aiyuk 49ers contract extension for four years and $120 million with $76 million guaranteed.
Timeline of events
Trade rumors and negotiations
- July 2024: Despite later saying he wanted to stay, Aiyuk requested a trade from the 49ers due to lack of progress on a long-term contract
- July 2024: Aiyuk held out of 49ers training camp
- August 13, 2024: Reports emerged that the Pittsburgh Steelers had a deal in place to acquire Aiyuk, but Brandon Aiyuk remained with San Francisco
- August 14, 2024: Aiyuk returned to 49ers practice after holding out for 15 days
Contract negotiations
- Contract offer: The 49ers offered Aiyuk a top-10 wide receiver contract worth $26 million per year
- Aiyuk's expectations: Aiyuk sought a deal similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown's $30.02M/year extension
- Final agreement: Brandon Aiyuk's 49ers contract extension was finalized as a four-year, $120 million deal with $76 million guaranteed
Reasons Brandon Aiyuk says he wanted to stay with the 49ers
- Competitive contract: The 49ers' offer placed Aiyuk 8th among the NFL's highest-paid receivers
- Team success: The 49ers reached the Super Bowl in the 2023 season
- Familiarity: Aiyuk has been with the 49ers since being drafted in 2020
Impact on the 49ers
- Salary cap implications: The Brandon Aiyuk 49ers contract extension created nearly $8.4 million in 2024 salary cap space for the team
- Future considerations: The 49ers now have $30M over the 2025 salary cap
- Retaining top talent: Aiyuk's 2023 stats included 1,342 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, showing why the 49ers wanted him to remain with San Francisco
FAQ
Did Brandon Aiyuk really want to stay with the 49ers?
Yes, Brandon Aiyuk says he wanted to stay with the 49ers, despite initially requesting a trade in July 2024. He ultimately chose to remain with San Francisco after contract negotiations were successful.
What are the details of Brandon Aiyuk's 49ers contract extension?
The Brandon Aiyuk 49ers contract extension is a four-year, $120 million deal with $76 million guaranteed. This places him 8th among the NFL's highest-paid receivers, with an average annual value of $26 million per year.
Why did Brandon Aiyuk remain with San Francisco?
Brandon Aiyuk remains with San Francisco due to several factors, including a competitive contract offer, the team's recent success (reaching the Super Bowl in 2023), and his familiarity with the organization since being drafted in 2020.
How does Aiyuk's contract extension impact the 49ers' salary cap?
The Brandon Aiyuk 49ers contract extension created nearly $8.4 million in 2024 salary cap space for the team. However, it also contributes to the 49ers being $30 million over the 2025 salary cap.
What were Aiyuk's performance stats that led to his contract extension?
In the 2023 season, Brandon Aiyuk recorded 1,342 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, demonstrating his value to the 49ers and justifying the team's desire to keep him in San Francisco with a lucrative contract extension.
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