According to one salary cap tracking site, the 49ers' offer might be closer to a reasonable salary than Aiyuk's demands. Spotrac projects Aiyuk's value at around a four-year deal worth about $104.6 million, putting his average yearly wage at approximately $26.15 million.
Spotrac's projection would slot Aiyuk as the NFL's eighth-highest-paid wideout, just below Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp's $26.7 million average and well below the highest-paid wideout, Justin Jefferson, who is slated to earn $35 million annually.
If Aiyuk agreed, this would be good news for the 49ers. However, he likely seeks a deal similar to the recent four-year, $120 million contract signed by Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, the NFL's third-highest-paid receiver in terms of annual salary.
St. Brown is one of four players Spotrac lists as comparable based on age, contract status, and statistical production. The others are Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins, DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts.
While Spotrac's projection might seem reasonable to the 49ers, such estimates rarely reflect the eventual contracts star players sign, as NFL teams also pay for projected future contributions, not just past performance.
Aiyuk is coming off a career year, recording a team-leading 1,342 receiving yards last season. It was his second consecutive season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, and the wideout scored a combined 15 touchdowns during that span. He is an ascending player who hopes to cash in on what is expected to be a bright future.
Meanwhile, the 49ers are trying to find a way to secure Aiyuk to a long-term deal, well aware that they will have to make quarterback Brock Purdy one of the NFL's highest-paid players next year.
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