Niners, WR Brandon Aiyuk had 'good' meeting, moving ahead toward extension
The start of summer seems to have warmed up the chill in San Francisco’s air, particularly concerning one of the NFL’s top wide receivers.
Wideout Brandon Aiyuk requested a meeting Monday with the 49ers brass and it was characterized as a “good” one in which both sides agreed to keep working toward an extension, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday.
Pelissero explained that both parties are moving ahead after Aiyuk recently went to social media to state the 49ers “don’t want me back.” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on June 17 that the 49ers did indeed want Aiyuk back, but sides had been unable to bridge the monetary gap.
Pelissero stated on Wednesday that he expects all parties involved to take a break to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday before they continue working on finalizing a long-term agreement.
Going back to the 2024 NFL Draft, trade rumors were abuzz regarding Aiyuk being shipped out of San Francisco. However, Pelissero noted that Aiyuk has never requested a trade and the Niners’ stance on the former first-rounder has not changed despite receiving calls for him during the draft.
The 25th overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk is due $14.1 million in base salary in 2024 — the final season of his rookie deal after the club picked up his fifth-year option.
Aiyuk is likely looking to move into the neighborhood of the Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown, who recently inked a four-year, $120 million extension.
This is somewhat summer business as usual for the 49ers, who received a trade request from receiver Deebo Samuel in 2022 before working out an extension. In 2023, defensive end Nick Bosa held out of training camp and the preseason before landing a landmark deal.
Next up it would seem is Aiyuk, who held out of mandatory minicamp.
The 26-year-old has just completed his best career campaign, recording 1,342 yards, 75 catches, and seven touchdowns. He’s now achieved two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and is seeking a salary that matches his high performance.
It appears that a significant step has been made towards accomplishing that.
