The San Francisco 49ers have officially locked in their star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk with a four-year, $120 million contract extension, as reported by ESPN on Thursday.
The journey to this deal wasn't smooth. Aiyuk took a stand by skipping the team's training camp and practice sessions, even after being declared healthy for Wednesday's practice. This move left both head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch uncertain about his immediate return to the team.
Despite the rocky negotiations, the 49ers and Aiyuk reached an agreement that mirrors the offer initially presented on August 12. While this contract places Aiyuk among the highest-paid wide receivers in the league, it slightly trails behind contracts secured by CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, who signed for $136 million and $140 million over four years, respectively.
Aiyuk is completing the final year of his five-year rookie contract. Drafted by the 49ers with the No. 25 pick in 2020, he has since amassed impressive stats, catching 269 of 399 targeted passes for 3,931 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him a Second-team All-Pro selection last season.
“We fully intend on Brandon being a Niner moving forward,” Lynch remarked in July. “We're always open to listen to things but like I said, we expect Brandon to be an integral part of our team like he has been and excited about that.”
The 49ers concluded the 2023 regular season with 12 wins, securing a playoff spot for the third consecutive year. They made a strong run to Super Bowl LVIII, ultimately falling to the Kansas City Chiefs.
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San Francisco 49ers reach 4-year, $120 million deal with WR Aiyuk
cgtn.com
