Highlights
- Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers had a “good meeting” that gave fans clarity regarding transfer rumors.
- Both sides want to reach a deal to keep Aiyuk in the Bay Area long-term.
- Aiyuk will likely want a contract extension that takes into account the newly inflated wide receiver market.
San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been a polarizing topic in the football world lately.
A series of events involving Aiyuk recently have highlighted his frustration with the organization. However, the offseason drama has apparently cleared up after it was reported that Aiyuk and team officials had a “good meeting” and that the star pass catcher would not demand a transfer. (via Tom Pelissero)
Here's what I can tell you: Aiyuk and the 49ers leadership met on Monday at Aiyuk's request. It was a good meeting. From what I've heard, both sides said the things that needed to be said and they're going to continue to work on them. It's important to note that there was never a trade request from Brandon Aiyuk. That hasn't changed. The 49ers' stance hasn't changed either, despite receiving trade talks involving Aiyuk since draft week.
Although Pelissero has openly expressed his frustration with the organization, he confirms that Aiyuk never requested a trade from the 49ers. While the team received calls regarding potential transfer packages, the 49ers have not changed their stance on bringing the star wideout back to the Bay Area in 2024.
They are moving forward and want Aiyuk to be part of the team in 2024, so I expect everyone involved will enjoy the Fourth of July holiday and regroup later. They still have several weeks to see if they can work out a deal that keeps Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco long-term.
The organization still has time to sign Aiyuk to a new contract before the 2024 season, keeping him in scarlet and gold for the foreseeable future.
Related
Report: 49ers definitely want star WR back
Contrary to the recent video in which Brandon Aiyuk says the 49ers don't want him back, San Francisco certainly sees his future with him.
Estimate of Brandon Aiyuk’s contract extension
Both sides have expressed a desire for Aiyuk to stay in San Francisco, but that could come at a high price
Photo credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan runs an offense that is inherently based on running the football, so we've seen him take star running back Christian McCaffrey's game to a whole new level.
The offense is loaded with star offensive players all over the field, and Shanahan does his best to distribute the ball to all of his playmakers. The offense doesn't necessarily need Aiyuk to catch 100 or more passes per season, so he doesn't get as many touches as players like other wide receivers like Ceedee Lamb or Amon Ra St. Brown.
It's safe to assume that Aiyuk would want a contract similar to St. Brown's recent extension, as the two have similar talent. St. Brown's contract extension with the Detroit Lions is a four-year, $120 million deal that includes $77 million in guaranteed salary.
This is a situation to keep an eye on going forward. Aiyuk's new contract could potentially boost the wide receiver market even more than it already is. Aiyuk and the 49ers are looking to defend their title as NFC champions and finally bring home the Lombardi Trophy in 2024.
Source: Tom Pelissero
All statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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