The recent news of the Detroit Lions agreeing to a four-year, $120 million extension for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, with $77 million guaranteed, likely piques the interest of wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who eagerly awaits his own contract extension from the San Francisco 49ers.
With St. Brown's annual salary now hovering around $30 million and Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith's recent deal averaging about $25 million with $51 million guaranteed, Aiyuk's agent, Ryan Williams, will likely leverage these figures in discussions with the 49ers.
49ers Webzone editor Brian Renick, also a host of the "No Huddle Podcast," recently speculated that Aiyuk's contract could fall between those of St. Brown and Smith. He suggests a ballpark figure of $27-$28 million annually with $65 million guaranteed, deeming it a "fair market" value for Aiyuk.
Comparing Aiyuk and St. Brown's production over the past three seasons, they've posted similar statistics. However, St. Brown boasts more accolades—two Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors, contrasting Aiyuk's lone second-team All-Pro honor. While St. Brown has tallied more receiving yards (3,588 vs. 3,183) in the same timeframe, Aiyuk boasts a higher yards-per-reception average (15.2 vs. 11.4).
Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle recently revealed what Aiyuk's agent might be seeking from the 49ers, stating, "Sources around the league believe he is seeking a contract with an annual average of well over $25 million and that the 49ers have been reluctant to meet that price."
If true, Renick's proposed figures fall within Aiyuk's desired salary range. However, if the 49ers remain unwilling to meet these demands, negotiations could continue to drag on throughout the offseason.
"I'm trying to get what I deserve," Aiyuk emphasized during a podcast interview last month. "I feel like this season, this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and a player — what I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization."
This week, general manager John Lynch assured reporters that signing Aiyuk to a contract extension remains a priority.
"I've communicated on a couple of occasions, on many occasions, our wish," Lynch stated. "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
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