The San Francisco 49ers have successfully secured a contract extension with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, culminating a series of intense negotiations that began over six months ago. The agreement, reached on Thursday, is a four-year deal worth $120 million, keeping Aiyuk with the team through the 2028 season. This contract includes $76 million guaranteed and stipulates that Aiyuk will receive $47 million before April 1, 2025.
With this deal, Aiyuk becomes one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, now ranking alongside Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill. The 49ers have set a record by entering the 2024 NFL season with eight players earning an average annual salary of $15 million or more.
Although the agreement comes after Aiyuk missed several practices and raised the prospect of team discipline, it allows him to prepare for the upcoming season opener against the New York Jets on September 9. Over the past two years, the 49ers consistently expressed their intent to re-sign Aiyuk, despite moments of uncertainty, especially after he requested a trade in July.
Negotiations had intensified following significant interest from teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots; however, none could satisfy both the 49ers’ demands and Aiyuk’s expectations for a lucrative contract. Ultimately, the deal keeps Aiyuk with quarterback Brock Purdy as a key component of the team’s offensive strategy as they strive for another Super Bowl title.
In the previous season, Aiyuk notched impressive stats, leading the 49ers in receiving yards and earning a second-team All-Pro selection. His presence maintains the offensive lineup from the previous season while allowing the young wide receivers to develop alongside him.
The path to this extension has seen moments of tension, particularly after Aiyuk’s trade request. Despite this, the 49ers’ leadership emphasized their commitment to keeping him on the team, which culminated in the successful negotiation of this extension. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the 49ers have re-signed a key player before training camp, showcasing their strategy of securing their core talent. Aiyuk is now one of only two first-round picks under the current management team to sign a second contract with the 49ers.