The Brandon Aiyuk-49ers drama has come to a close with a lot of cash involved.
Aiyuk will remain with the 49ers after they agreed to a $120 million extension with San Francisco over four years according to multiple reports on Thursday.
The star wideout had been the subject of trade rumors all offseason while he was seeking a new deal, but he will now be under contract in San Francisco for the long haul.
Aiyuk’s new salary is tied for fifth in average annual value among receivers.
With Aiyuk’s deal finally done after a 38-day hold-in, the 49ers will have eight players earning at least $15 million this season, with the wideout joining Nick Bosa ($34M), Deebo Samuel ($23.85M), Trent Williams ($23.01M), Javon Hargrave ($21M), Fred Warner ($19.045M), Christian McCaffrey ($19M) and George Kittle ($15M).
The 26-year-old racked up 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first four years with the 49ers.
The former first-round pick was particularly exceptional in the last two seasons, amassing 153 catches for 2,357 yards and 15 scores — figures that all rank in the top 25 in the NFL in that span.
In terms of more advanced metrics, Aiyuk ranked second in Pro Football Focus receiving grades last year and was seventh in yards per route run.
Things began to get disgruntled for Aiyuk and San Francisco following the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, at which point the standout receiver expressed displeasure following his diminished usage in the Big Game: six targets, three catches and only 49 yards.
Throughout the 2024 offseason, Aiyuk and the 49ers remained distant on a contract extension, which led to Aiyuk hinting at wanting to play for Mike Tomlin’s Steelers or reuniting with Arizona State running mate Jayden Daniels with the Commanders.
The tide seemed to sour further on July 16 when Aiyuk formally requested a trade and put pressure on general manager John Lynch to either pay or deal him.
After three weeks of a roadblock and persistent rumors, reports began to circulate on Aug. 5 that the 49ers were finally angling to move Aiyuk instead of actively attempting to negotiate, with the Patriots and Browns emerging as frontrunners.
But now remaining with the team, Aiyuk will get to celebrate with the 49ers faithful to kick off the season in a primetime “Monday Night Football” matchup with the Jets on Sept. 9.
