Schefter: 49ers using franchise tag as ‘weapon’ in leverage over Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk is in a tough situation. The wide receiver is slated to earn $14.124 million on a fifth-year option exercised by the San Francisco 49ers. However, this amount is well below the current market value for receivers, which has surged this offseason. Aiyuk reportedly seeks a deal similar to that of Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, who recently signed a four-year, $120 million contract.

Despite his aspirations, Aiyuk lacks leverage. He is under contract for the upcoming season, and the 49ers can utilize the franchise tag in 2025 and 2026 if they choose to do so.

The franchise tag in 2025 is projected to cost $24.76 million, and a 120% pay raise in 2026 would bring the cost to $29.71 million. Averaging this over three seasons would amount to approximately $22.9 million annually, which is well below the $26 million per year the 49ers have reportedly offered Aiyuk.

Securing Aiyuk for less than $23 million annually would be a bargain for the 49ers. However, it would also lead to a disgruntled player.

"So now, when you start to sit down, figure out the guaranteed money," ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show, "again, the franchise tag here is a weapon for the 49ers, which is not what the franchise tag was intended to be. But again, that's the 49ers' advantage."

Schefter emphasizes that the 49ers want to sign Aiyuk to a long-term deal.

"They have wanted him back. They've intended to bring him back, but the wide receiver market has shifted, which makes it tough," Schefter said. "So it's harder to do a deal now than it was a couple of months ago. And Brandon Aiyuk thinks that he deserves what all these top receivers are getting, and the Niners have a certain price point figured out."

If the 49ers sign Aiyuk to a long-term deal, many believe 2024 would almost certainly be the final season featuring Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel together. San Francisco will find it challenging to pay two wideouts top-tier money, especially with quarterback Brock Purdy slated to become one of the NFL's highest-paid players.

Aiyuk and the 49ers veterans are expected to report to training camp on July 23. It remains to be seen whether the team and player can reach an agreement before then or if Aiyuk will opt to hold out, as he did for the 49ers' mandatory minicamp last month.