49ers reportedly offer Brandon Aiyuk well below Justin Jefferson’s historic $35 million per year salary

Aiyuk reportedly wants $30 million on average similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown’s contract. 

49ers reportedly offer Brandon Aiyuk well below Justin Jefferson’s historic $35 million per year salary

Brandon Aiyuk's offered deal well below Justin Jefferson's (Via Imago)

It appears star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would not be able to get a deserving deal which he expected from the San Francisco 49ers, after playing a crucial role in their run for the Super Bowl. As it turns out, the franchise has offered him a much below-the-market number.  

Since the Super Bowl LVIII, Aiyuk has expressed his displeasure with his contract and desired a number closer to WR No. 1 Deebo Samuel. However, given how the franchises across the league have been rewarding their wide receivers, Aiyuk reportedly wants $30 million on average similar to Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown’s contract. 

Though the 49ers have made an offer, it seems a little closer to Brown’s contract, which is one of the highest paid in the league, if not Jefferson’s. As 49ers insider Mike Silver revealed, the Niners have made an offer for $26 million annually to Aiyuk. 

FS Video

I’m hearing maybe their offer’s in the $26 million range, which, you know, it’s certainly not just Justin Jefferson money, nor should it be. They, I think, believe that he’s a really good player, who they’ve developed and they would like to have. And they think he’s one of the better receivers in the league, kind of on that next tier, obviously.

Mike Silver said on the KNBR’s ‘Papa and Lund’ podcast earlier this week

Silver also highlighted a possibility of the 49ers stretching it to $30 million, which Aiyuk may sign. But then again, it will create a situation with Samuel’s contract, given he is the No. 1 WR.

Brandon Aiyuk’s extension signals possible exit for Deebo Samuel

Earlier in the offseason, when trade rumors of Aiyuk began swirling around, Samuel’s name was also mentioned as the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest. However, ultimately, the 49ers dismissed the rumors and kept both the star receivers. 

Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk (Via Imago)

However, Aiyuk’s anticipatory lucrative extension hints towards a potential departure of Samuel following the 2024 season. Given that he is entering the final year of his contract, and if the 49ers fail to win the Super Bowl trophy again, he might want to lose the dual-threat stars. 

Additionally, they also drafted Ricky Pearsall, which was appreciated by Aiyuk even though the rookie was considered to be his threat. But as the 49ers are inclined towards offering Aiyuk an extension, he may release the veteran receiver and free some cap space to offer another potential lucrative extension to Brock Purdy.

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