According to Spotrac, Brandon Aiyuk’s contract extension will bring in about $23 million a season, for a total estimated value of $91 million.
Aiyuk, who is having by far his best season as a pro, has proven that he is the league’s top receiver. With six receptions and one more touchdown, he will tie his career best. We’ll see whether Kyle Shanahan lets Aiyuk get to those stats before benching him against the Rams in Week 18. However, Aiyuk is averaging more than five yards per reception and has 300 more receiving yards than he had the previous season.
Aiyuk, who will turn 26 in March, has positioned himself to earn a sizable salary during the off-season.According to Spotrac’s projections of players’ market values for the upcoming free agency period, Aiyuk is expected to earn $22.8 million year, with a contract for a total of $91.4 million spread over four seasons.
According to Over the Cap, the other salary cap website, the 49ers will make more money than the NFL’s $242 million salary cap in the upcoming season. This is the reason, of course, that we will keep hearing rumors this summer with Aiyuk or any other top player being a possible trade chip.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are one football team that makes a ton of sense.Bleacher Report suggested a trade involving Aiyuk and Trevor Lawrence, in which the Niners receiver would earn extra money in addition to at least a first round selection.
Aiyuk’s fifth-year option was picked up by the 49ers, so he is under contract for the following season. His salary is $14.1 million. They wouldn’t have to let go of Aiyuk until he refused to give in and demanded a new contract. Alternatively, if the Niners wish to place a high value on a 26-year-old receiver.
Finding players and developing them to become Aiyuks is the goal of the draft. Aiyuk’s receiving yardage this season would likely be closer to 1,700 if he were on a different club where he was the lone major receiver rather than 1,300.
San Francisco has taken advantage of numerous gaps in the salary cap to explore contract extensions and retain top talent inside. This NFL Draft cycle, there is a really great wide receiver class, so it would be tempting to select one, but there are no doubts about Aiyuk; you know what you’re getting and how well he matches your culture.
For me to approve a transaction, there would need to be a sizable return.