Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro wide receiver, is poised to secure a substantial contract extension imminently. The team’s unwillingness to meet his demands has been met with a boost in Aiyuk’s leverage following the recent contract extension awarded to Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown’s four-year, $120 million extension includes an average of $28 million over the first three years, a benchmark that aligns with Aiyuk’s desired contract value of over $25 million annually. This development has strengthened Aiyuk’s position in ongoing negotiations with the 49ers.
Throughout his three-season career, Aiyuk has been a formidable pass-catching weapon for the 49ers, amassing 3,183 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. St. Brown, on the other hand, has accumulated 3,588 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in the same timeframe. While St. Brown’s overall receiving statistics might edge out Aiyuk’s, the latter’s impressive performance during the 2023 season, ranking third in receptions of 20 yards or more, has solidified his status as a top pass-catching threat in an offense with an increased number of targets compared to Detroit.
Aiyuk’s confidence in his worth is evident in his recent Instagram story, which showcased a video of him dancing exuberantly shortly after news of St. Brown’s contract became public. This display of confidence stems from his understanding that multiple teams, including the 49ers, are eager to acquire his services at a lucrative rate.
As the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, 49ers fans are experiencing a surge of anxiety regarding Aiyuk’s contract situation. Should the 49ers fail to meet his demands, he may explore other options, potentially leaving the team without one of their most valuable offensive players.
