Brandon Aiyuk re-signs with 49ers in 4-year extension
Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideline before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - It's official: Brandon Aiyuk is staying with the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL reported the wide receiver agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension if he stays in the Bay, with $76 million in guarantees.
Aiyuk had been set to play on the fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million this season but now becomes the latest receiver to cash in with a long-term deal.
Eleven receivers before Aiyuk had signed contracts worth at least $70 million already this offseason, with Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension with Minnesota setting the top of the market. Aiyuk is the sixth receiver with an average annual contract of at least $30 million.
Aiyuk had been a key part of San Francisco’s offense last season as he formed a great connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk had 75 catches and a career-high 1,375 yards last season with seven touchdowns as he earned second-team All-Pro honors.
After weeks of will-he, won't-he, Aiyuk has reached a deal with the Niners after thinking about leaving the team, according to earlier reports.
Aiyuk was less than subtle in expressing his discontent with skipping the team's voluntary portion of the season.
Aiyuk refused to practice all offseason as part of a contract "hold in" with the team, saying he had a back injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch said he was cleared by doctors before Wednesday's practice but Aiyuk still didn't join, risking fines.
Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers have also expressed interest in the 26-year-old regarding a trade.
However, with 11 days left to the season opener against the New York Jets, a deal was made and Aiyuk is staying with the red and gold.