Former NFL Star Has Bad News For 49ers’ WR Brandon Aiyuk

Jennings does think that Aiyuk is good enough to earn $30 million a year, which would put him in the same category as Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown, who landed a four-year, $120 million extension earlier this month. Philadelphia Eagles wide out A.J. Brown may be another player to shoot for, as he landed a three-year, $96 million deal.

However, if Aiyuk is looking for top-of-the-line money, he may be disappointed.

It’s true, too.

Aiyuk is a terrific receiver, but he is not quite on the level of Jefferson or Lamb, and he has yet to really prove that he is on Brown’s level, either. At least not for a consistent period of time.

The 26-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Arizona State, was selected by the 49ers with the 25th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He had a couple of solid seasons to begin his career but didn’t really break out until 2022, when he caught 78 passes for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns.

Then, this past season, Aiyuk enjoyed an even better year, hauling in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven scores.

Those are definitely good numbers, but Aiyuk is yet to even make a Pro Bowl, so it’s going to be tough for him to justify getting over $30 million annually from San Francisco, especially when the club already has severe financial constraints as it is.

Not only are the Niners already paying fellow receiver Deebo Samuel significant money, but they also have to worry about extending quarterback Brock Purdy, who becomes eligible for a new deal next offseason.

Plus, the 49ers have numerous other expensive players on the roster, such as defensive end Nick Bosa.

We’ll see if San Francisco is able to get something done with Brandon Aiyuk before the 2024 campaign begins.