The 49ers’ contract negotiations with Brandon Aiyuk understandably are difficult, because the franchise desires to inexpensively function whereas the All-Professional broad receiver needs high greenback.
Nevertheless, former NFL basic supervisor Randy Mueller believes that San Francisco ought to be capable to determine on a good quantity to get a deal accomplished.
Mueller shared what he believes Aiyuk’s potential subsequent 49ers contract will appear like in his newest story for The Athletic.
“In the end, I anticipate Aiyuk would signal for round $30 million to $32 million yearly with about $50 million absolutely assured,” wrote Mueller (h/t 49ers Webzone’s Kirk Larrabee). “That may give him one thing to hold his hat on.”
“The query then turns into: Do the 49ers worth him that rather more than their different choices, even when that value is a little more than what that they had budgeted? I believe a deal will get accomplished earlier than camp begins, when time is of the essence.”
Aiyuk believes that he’s well worth the excessive price ticket, as he’s coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard-receiving season.
Plus, 49ers quarterback and 2023 NFL MVP candidate Brock Purdy has made Aiyuk his high goal during the last two seasons.
Rival broad receivers have secured big-time raises this offseason, which helps Aiyuk’s case, too. Mueller famous that the Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown’s current four-year, $120 million deal paints a clearer image of what the 49ers ought to anticipate to supply Aiyuk.
“The fly within the ointment for the 49ers is St. Brown’s contract,” Mueller wrote. “Most within the NFL would contemplate Aiyuk a greater all-around participant than St. Brown, whose deal prompted a lot back-channel dialog inside the league. That is the one little bit of leverage Aiyuk has that may have some traction with the 49ers’ brass. Due to that deal alone, they could need to go to $31 million per yr.”
Mueller additionally believes San Francisco has the higher hand in contract negotiations with Aiyuk. As a result of 49ers’ surplus of offensive weapons paired with the evolution of the CBA and notorious franchise tag, San Francisco can proceed dragging its toes.
“Aiyuk has the quick straw,” Mueller added. “He has a contract for 2024 that may pay him $14.1 million, and beneath the present CBA, holding out of coaching camp will not be a viable possibility.
If the 49ers wished to play hardball, they might make Aiyuk play for that after which franchise-tag him for 2025.
“The tag for broad receivers (which the Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins acquired this offseason) is value $21.8 million in 2024. It’s projected to rise close to $25 million in 2025, which might put Aiyuk round $39 million over the following two years. “I am not suggesting the 49ers ought to play hardball, however they might in the event that they wished to. That is leverage. Clearly, Aiyuk’s illustration is aware of this.”
Each Aiyuk and the 49ers, in their very own — usually cryptic — methods, have expressed curiosity in extending their partnership. That’s most likely one of the best situation for the 2 events and soccer followers in all places.
However till the ink dries, San Francisco seemingly will proceed exploring avenues to enhance its roster whereas enjoying the ready sport with its prized broad receiver.
Nobody positively is aware of the place Aiyuk might be enjoying, if he even does, subsequent season.
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