Exclusive> All the details you require regarding the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk contract drama
Brandon Aiyuk was clearing out his locker six months ago following a devastating 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, and he seemed uncertain about the future.
Like Nick Bosa before him in 2023, Aiyuk was under contract for the 2024 season at a salary of $14.124 million, but his performance considerably exceeded his option price. Aiyuk, who averaged 17.9 yards per reception while catching 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, was selected to the second team of the All-Pro team.
Two days following the team’s defeat in the Super Bowl, Aiyuk was tearful and hesitant to commit to the team.
Aiyuk responded, “If that’s the right move, yeah,” when asked if he would stay with the 49ers. When asked again what the proper course of action would be, Aiyuk responded, “being a champion.”
“That’s all I got,” Aiyuk remarked, turning his face towards his locker.
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That occurred on February 13. Aiyuk, the 49ers, and a worried fan base are still waiting for a resolution six months later, despite the fact that the wide receiver position has increased dramatically as similar players have signed massive contracts.
A chronology of the Aiyuk legend:
April 15: DeVonta Smith and Philadelphia agree to a three-year, $75 million contract that includes a $51 million guarantee.
April 24: Amon-Ray St. Brown and Detroit agree to a four-year, $120 million contract deal, with a $77 million guarantee. $30 million annually on average.
April 25: The 49ers choose Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. with the No. 31 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, igniting rumors that they may be looking to trade either Deebo Samuel or Aiyuk.
April 30: A.J. Brown and Philadelphia agree to a three-year, $96 million contract that includes a $84 million guarantee. An average of $32 million a year.
Aiyuk is absent from the 49ers’ first optional organized team activity (OTA) on May 20. He will not participate in any optional practices before training camp.
Nico Collins and Houston ink a $72.5 million, three-year contract on May 28th, with $52 million guaranteed. Annually, on average: $24.25 million.
May 30: Miami contracts Jaylen Waddle to a three-year, $84.75 million contract that includes a $76 million guarantee. An average of $28.25 million annually
June 3: Justin Jefferson and Minnesota agree to a four-year, $140 million contract, of which $110 million is reportedly guaranteed. An annual average of $35 million.
June 4: A two-year contract for $38 million is reportedly agreed to between Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers. Only tackle Trent Williams and Aiyuk fail to show up on the first day of mandatory minicamp. Aiyuk was away because of “contract stuff,” according to Shanahan.
June 16: In a TikTok post, Aiyuk informs his former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels of Washington that the 49ers “don’t want me here.”
Aiyuk meets with the 49ers in person on June 24 at his request; no information is provided.
June 28: When host Ryan Clark of “The Pivot” podcast asked Aiyuk what team he would wear in 2024, he said, “If I were to take a guess, probably a Niners uniform.” Washington Commanders uniform, if not a Niners uniform. Steelers, if not Washington Commanders, would be the likely team.
July 16: It was first reported by NFL Network, but according to several sources, Aiyuk has asked to be traded by the 49ers.
July 23: During a press conference the day before training camp begins, 49ers general manager John Lynch is questioned about whether he anticipates Aiyuk practicing. “All of our players are expected to practice,” Lynch stated.
July 24: On the opening day of training camp, Aiyuk reports to the 49ers, but he is treated as a “hold-in,” not planning to practice until a trade or contract extension is arranged. Shanahan tells reporters, “We expected it, and I understand the situation fully.” As practice is ready to start, Aiyuk strolls past reporters, turns to the left, and heads toward Levi’s Stadium. Williams is not present, but Aiyuk is. Shanahan attests that Williams is resolving a contractual dispute.
July 31: Just before practice started, Aiyuk gives Shanahan a hearty hug and a friendly greeting. It’s assumed that Lynch was bidding farewell after hearing about a trade or that he had agreed to terms on a contract. D.J. Moore, meanwhile, agrees to a four-year, $110 million contract deal with Chicago, of which $82.6 million is guaranteed. $27.5 million on average a year.
August 2: Shanahan minimizes the importance of his embrace with Aiyuk during practice on the field. To be honest, that is how we typically greet one another. Nothing more, nothing less, just a bro hug,” Shanahan stated.
August 7: The Athletic reports that Aiyuk turns down a $32 million-per-season contract offer from New England because of quarterback instability.
August 9: According to NBC Sports Bay Area, Aiyuk rejects a trade to Cleveland that would have included 49ers wide receiver Amari Cooper along with second- and fifth-round draft picks.