After weeks of speculation and a prolonged “hold-in” through the pre-season, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly secured a four-year, $120 million contract extension for star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as per an NFL Network report.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced on Thursday that Aiyuk is now set to practice with the team.
The news confirms Aiyuk’s status will remain with the 49ers as he signs a front-loaded deal worth $120 million, facilitated by agent Ryan Williams from Athletes First.
Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism about Aiyuk returning to the field, especially after a long stint without a contract. Aiyuk had been absent from the offseason activities while negotiating his extension with the 49ers, even expressing a desire to be traded if negotiations fell through. He reported to training camp in July to avoid penalties but had not practiced until securing the agreement. Shanahan previously cited a back injury as the reason Aiyuk had been sidelined.
For months, the anticipation regarding Aiyuk’s future was intense, with rumors linking him to teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Cleveland Browns, though none of these speculations materialized.
Aiyuk, a Rocklin, California native, had a standout college career at Sierra College before transferring to Arizona State University, where he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in his final year as both a receiver and return specialist.
Drafted by San Francisco as the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk signed a four-year contract worth $12.5 million with a $6.6 million signing bonus. Earlier this year, the 49ers exercised a fifth-year option on his contract, setting his salary for 2024 at $14.1 million.
Recently, the wide receiver market has seen major contract deals set by players like Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, who signed a four-year deal averaging $35 million per year. This trend continued with Tyreek Hill’s restructured contract with the Miami Dolphins, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s extension with the Detroit Lions, and A.J. Brown’s new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Several other NFL receivers have also inked contracts worth over $70 million this offseason.
The new deal puts Aiyuk on track to earn the $30 million annually he sought during negotiations. Prior to this extension, his $14.1 million salary would have placed him 28th among NFL receivers for 2024.
Last season, Aiyuk was a key performer for San Francisco’s offense, recording a career-high 1,375 yards, 75 receptions, seven touchdowns, and earning second-team All-Pro recognition.
With Aiyuk’s extension, the 49ers now boast a robust receiving group, including rookie standout Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and second-year player Ronnie Bell.