Former NFL GM explains why 49ers have leverage in Brandon Aiyuk negotiations, predicts final outcome

Jun 27, 2024 at 9:22 AM


placeholder image

Corey Perrine-USA TODAY Sports

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

Former NFL general manager Randy Mueller provided an in-depth analysis of the Brandon Aiyuk contract negotiations on Thursday, detailing why the 49ers have more leverage than Aiyuk and why he thinks the eventual outcome will be positive for both sides.

In an article published by The Athletic, Mueller, whose time as an NFL executive included general manager stints with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, said the 49ers have positioned themselves well by having receivers such as Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall under contract, while also holding an edge over Aiyuk when it comes to the amount of money he'd be paid without a new deal.

"Aiyuk has the short straw," wrote Mueller. "He has a contract for 2024 that will pay him $14.1 million, and under the current CBA, holding out of training camp is not a viable option. If the 49ers wanted to play hardball, they could make Aiyuk play for that and then franchise-tag him for 2025. The tag for wide receivers (which the Cincinnati Bengals' Tee Higgins received this offseason) is worth $21.8 million in 2024. It is projected to rise near $25 million in 2025, which would put Aiyuk around $39 million over the next two years.

"I'm not suggesting the 49ers should play hardball, but they could if they wanted to. That's leverage. Obviously, Aiyuk's representation knows this."

Mueller believes the 49ers do not want to move on from Aiyuk, nor should they. But he also feels the wide receivers the 49ers have without Aiyuk leave them in a good negotiating position.

"In Kyle Shanahan's offense, they have some versatile personnel, so they are not desperate to get Aiyuk signed right now," wrote Mueller.

Mueller added that Aiyuk could gain some leverage if he waited for the market price to rise after Cowboys receiver Cee Dee Lamb and Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase sign contracts that are expected to be in excess of $30 million per year. But Aiyuk, Mueller says, would rather cash in now in order to achieve long-term security. The biggest thing Aiyuk has working in his favor is the four-year, $120 million contract the Detroit Lions recently gave to Amon-Ra St. Brown.

"The fly in the ointment for the 49ers is St. Brown's contract," Mueller wrote. "Most in the NFL would consider Aiyuk a better all-around player than St. Brown, whose deal caused much back-channel conversation within the league. That's the one bit of leverage Aiyuk has that might have some traction with the 49ers' brass. Because of that deal alone, they might have to go to $31 million per year."

So what will happen with the 49ers and Aiyuk? Mueller thinks the 49ers will strike a deal near the start of training camp, as they have multiple times in the past during contract negotiations with high-profile players.

"Ultimately, I expect Aiyuk would sign for around $30 million to $32 million annually with about $50 million fully guaranteed," wrote Mueller. "That would give him something to hang his hat on. The question then becomes: Do the 49ers value him that much more than their other options, even if that cost is a bit more than what they had budgeted? I think a deal will get done before camp starts, when time is of the essence."

49ers veterans are scheduled to report to training camp on July 23, one week after the rookie reporting date of July 16. NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that the 49ers and Aiyuk had a "good" meeting earlier this week and that he expects negotiations to pick back up after the July 4th holiday.

Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


Comments

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan explains why the 49ers abandoned the run against the Lions

By David Bonilla
Jan 1

The San Francisco 49ers leaned heavily on the passing game as Monday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions progressed. Of quarterback Brock Purdy's 24 second-half plays, 22 were pass attempts. On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the decision to shift away from...


placeholder image

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's locker room presence signals good recovery progress

By David Bonilla
Jan 1

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was spotted in the locker room ahead of Wednesday's practice, suggesting a positive sign that his recovery is progressing well. The team is preparing for its season finale against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm...


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan provides update on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's recovery

By David Bonilla
Dec 28, 2024

Head coach Kyle Shanahan offered an update on Saturday regarding the recovery of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who suffered a torn ACL and MCL on October 20. Aiyuk has been spotted around the 49ers facility recently as he continues his rehabilitation process...


placeholder image

49ers vs. Cardinals final injury report: Deebo, Lenoir among 5 ruled out for Sunday

By David Bonilla
Jan 3

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 18 contest against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Both teams have released their official injury reports, which are provided below. San Francisco 49ers Out DE Robert Beal...


Latest

Trending News

Search Share 49ersWebzone