The San Francisco 49ers are facing some challenges in negotiating a new contract with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. While the team is eager to keep Aiyuk on the roster, they are not willing to meet his salary demands, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
According to Schefter, the 49ers have always wanted to retain Aiyuk, despite his recent comments suggesting otherwise. However, the breakdown in contract talks earlier this spring has led to a standoff between the two parties. Aiyuk’s public discussions about his contract situation, including a TikTok video where he hinted at the team not wanting him back, have added fuel to the fire.
The emergence of lucrative wide receiver contracts, such as Jaylen Waddle’s $84.75 million extension with the Miami Dolphins and Justin Jefferson’s $140 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, has likely influenced Aiyuk’s expectations. The 49ers, on the other hand, are facing salary cap constraints that make it difficult to meet Aiyuk’s demands.
Despite the impasse, Schefter believes that the 49ers are not seriously considering trading Aiyuk. The team is focused on contending for a Super Bowl and views Aiyuk as a key piece of their roster. With one season left on his rookie contract at a base salary of $14.2 million, Aiyuk is set to enter training camp with the team.
However, the situation could potentially drag on into the 2025 free agency period if a new deal is not reached. Similar to the Cincinnati Bengals’ approach with Tee Higgins, who is playing on a one-year franchise tender, the 49ers may risk losing Aiyuk in free agency rather than trading him.
As the July 23 training camp reporting date approaches, all eyes will be on Aiyuk and whether he will consider holding out for a new contract. The 49ers are hopeful that they can find a resolution that keeps Aiyuk in San Francisco for the long term, but the clock is ticking as the new season draws closer.
