The future of the San Francisco 49ers offense has been shrouded in uncertainty after a noisy offseason, featuring two critical offensive talents: Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk.
San Francisco 49ers Facing Issues With 2 Major Stars
For the moment, Williams is still holding out amidst desires for further contractual security, as there is no more guaranteed money left on his initial 2021 extension. Despite calls from teammates urging the 49ers to get things sorted with their 4 x All Pro left tackle, Williams remains away from the Niners camp.
Yet, whilst San Francisco’s “Silverback” problems persist, they have managed to resolve one of their major headaches – what to do with 2nd team All-Pro, Brandon Aiyuk, who had his breakout season in 2023 and is playing on the final year of his 5 year rookie deal.
Aiyuk and the Niners repeatedly butted heads during negotiations concerning the terms of a new deal for the Arizona State alum, with the wideout feeling “disrespected” with his current employer’s offer after cementing himself as a top 10 receiver in the NFL this past year.
Rumors came and went daily about teams looking to trade for the Niners’ no.1 receiver, including a “done deal” with the Cleveland Browns that Aiyuk reportedly shut down over a reluctance to head to the Dawg Pound.
“The hold up with Cleveland all along has been Brandon Aiyuk’s willingness to accept a trade to the Browns..
The contract would’ve been done there if he wanted to go..
The compensation would’ve been done there if he wanted to go” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/MGpYYIvfes
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 29, 2024
However, it seems that both parties have, at last, reconciled over a mutually beneficial contract, with the two agreeing a 4 year, $120 million deal, per Jordan Schultz.
BREAKING: The #49ers and All-Pro WR Brandon Aiyuk have agreed to a massive contract extension — four year, $120M with $76M in guarantees, per sources.
At last, Aiyuk is finally secure long-term in San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/nRYTFSHbop
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 29, 2024
Did The San Francisco 49ers Do The Right Thing In Re-Signing Brandon Aiyuk?
The 49ers seemingly hedged their receiver bets this past offseason when they drafted University of Florida wideout, Ricky Pearsall, with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, understanding that a standoff similar to that which occurred was distinct future possibility.
Doing so likely shaved a couple of million APY off of Aiyuk’s deal, with the 49ers both having a desire to keep their best pure pass catcher and route runner, and yet also feeling comfortable in their other pass catching options to not feel obligated to cave in immediately to all of Aiyuk’s fiduciary demands.
Many will argue that San Francisco may well have been better off trading their star receiver to Cleveland at the very top of his value; coming off his best season and still very much young and in his prime at just 26.
Nevertheless, the trade proposed with the Browns recouped them just a 2nd round and 5th round pick along with Amari Cooper – a very competent #1 but heading towards the wrong side of 30 – per NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, in exchange for Aiyuk.
The reported proposed trade feels very reminiscent of how fans and execs alike felt about the 49ers star: excellent player, but not necessarily one who you’d feel totally comfortable giving up a 1st round pick + in addition to a $30 million contract to.
What Does This Mean For The 49ers’ Offense?
Ultimately, the Niners are almost certainly better off with their #1 receiver, Aiyuk, especially taking into consideration the injury troubles suffered by fellow key offensive weapons, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, over the past couple of years.
And, at this point in time, where San Francisco is firmly in “win now” mode, coming off a razor close Super Bowl defeat and with quarterback, Brock Purdy, still on his exceptionally cheap “Mr. Irrelevant” rookie deal, one could argue that it is prudent to retain your most valuable assets to be truly able to compete for the grand prize, one that has managed to so tightly evade head coach, Kyle Shanahan, for the best part of a decade.
