The San Francisco 49ers might think about parting methods with star vast receiver Brandon Aiyuk for a number of causes, nevertheless it’s a call they gained’t take calmly. Buying and selling Aiyuk would set off a large $18.4 million lifeless cap hit, and that’s not one thing basic supervisor John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will rush into with out totally evaluating the professionals and cons.
Aiyuk has quietly turn out to be one of many staff’s most dependable and explosive weapons over the previous two seasons. Since quarterback Brock Purdy took over in 2022, Aiyuk has produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, together with a career-high 1,342 yards in 2023. He performed a key function in serving to San Francisco win the NFC title and attain the Tremendous Bowl. Letting go of that type of manufacturing, particularly when the chemistry with Purdy is already there, might depart a major gap within the offense.
Actual Cause Why San Francisco 49ers Will Probably Not Commerce Brandon Aiyuk
In line with Fox Sports activities, the 49ers have acquired curiosity and have had discussions with different groups about Aiyuk. However that doesn’t imply a commerce is imminent.
“Nevertheless, buying and selling for Aiyuk’s contract coming off an ACL harm is a tall order, and most imagine it’s unlikely,” Fox Sports activities’ Jordan Schultz reported. “It will be a fairly large shock for me,” one personnel director advised Schultz.
Aiyuk is at the moment 4 months into his restoration from a major proper knee harm that included a number of torn ligaments suffered in Week 7 in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Past the harm considerations, the monetary implications are large.
He’s due a $22.9 million bonus on April 1, with one other $24.9 million in ensures kicking in for the 2026 season. His 2025 base wage is simply $1.17 million, however a $23 million signing bonus from his final extension is prorated over 4 years. That construction leads to an enormous $18.4 million lifeless cap cost if the 49ers transfer on from him now.
After the Deebo Samuel commerce, which cleared $17.55 million, San Francisco has an estimated $45.6 million in cap house. However that’s removed from safe. The staff is negotiating a contract extension with Brock Purdy, and his subsequent deal might reshape their monetary priorities in a rush.
Nonetheless, that gained’t cease commerce rumors. Some groups might circle again with affords across the 2025 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots had been reportedly concentrating on a large receiver earlier than signing Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million contract. If different receiver-needy groups transfer quick, San Francisco might lose its leverage — or its choices.