The drama between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers has ended with a lot of money involved.
Aiyuk will remain with the 49ers after agreeing to a four-year, $120 million contract extension with San Francisco, according to multiple reports Thursday.
The star wide receiver had been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason as he sought a new contract, but now he's committed to a long-term deal in San Francisco.
Aiyuk's new salary is tied for fifth among receivers in average annual salary.
Aiyuk's trade is 38 Day PendingThe 49ers have eight players making more than $15 million this season, joining wide receivers Nick Bosa ($34 million), Deebo Samuel ($23.85 million), Trent Williams ($23.01 million), Javon Hargrave ($21 million), Fred Warner ($19.045 million), Christian McCaffrey ($19 million) and George Kittle ($15 million).
The 26-year-old had 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first four years with the 49ers.
The former first-round draft pick has been particularly outstanding over the past two seasons, recording 153 catches for 2,357 yards and 15 scores — all numbers that rank in the top 25 in the NFL during that span.
Looking at more advanced metrics, Aiyuk was second in Pro Football Focus' receiving grade last year and seventh in yards per route run.
Things began to get frustrating for Aiyuk and San Francisco after the team's Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, at which point the standout receiver expressed frustration with his reduced appearances in big games (six targets, three catches for just 49 yards).
Aiyuk and the 49ers remained at arm's length regarding a contract extension during the 2024 offseason, which resulted in Aiyuk suggesting he would like to play for Mike Tomlin's Steelers or reunite with his Arizona State running mate Jayden Daniels with the Commanders.
The situation appeared to worsen on July 16 when Aiyuk formally requested a trade, forcing general manager John Lynch to either pay up or be traded.
After three weeks of stonewalling and constant rumors, reports began circulating on Aug. 5 that the 49ers were finally maneuvering to move Aiyuk rather than actively negotiating, with the Patriots and Browns emerging as the front-runners.
However, Aiyuk will remain with the team and will be celebrating the start of the season with 49ers fans on primetime on September 9 against the Jets on “Monday Night Football.”
