The 49ers reportedly made this very clear to Aiyuk just before he agreed to stay in the Bay Area on a four-year, $120 million deal, ending months of offseason drama and speculation.
RELATED
During a segment on NFL Network's "The Insiders," Mike Garafolo shared how the two sides finally reached a resolution. He revealed that a frustrated Aiyuk not only missed practice on Wednesday—after head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch publicly stated they expected him to participate—but he also left the building, unhappy with the lack of progress in contract talks.
"They come back together today," Garafolo continued. "... The 49ers, Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, telling Brandon Aiyuk today, 'Take your time, think about it. But you've got a couple of options. Trade to Pittsburgh, or do you want to stay here in San Francisco and put the finishing touches on this $30 million per year deal?'"
The proposed trade to the Steelers would have reportedly sent second- and third-round draft picks to the 49ers. However, the team much preferred to keep its leading receiver from last season.
Aiyuk ultimately chose to stay, finalizing the deal before the start of the regular season. The contract includes $76 million in guaranteed money, securing his financial future and granting his wish by making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
Ian Rapoport added that Aiyuk will receive $47 million of the deal by April 1, 2025.
"Everybody gets what they wanted," Garafolo continued. "A Super Bowl-ready roster keeps a key piece, and Brandon Aiyuk gets to stay in an offense where he will see the football and get paid all that money you're seeing right there."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Projection of Early Return of 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Continues to Gain Traction
The big story of the 2024 pre-season in San Francisco was the long, arduous contract negotiation involving 49ers' star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. By the beginning of the regular season, his contract was done, but the drama continued. Aiyuk was viewed by some 49er fans... -
Schefter: 49ers not expected to trade Brandon Aiyuk
Tuesday marks an unofficial deadline for any potential trade involving Brandon Aiyuk. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is set to receive a $22.85 million bonus on April 1, making a trade unlikely beyond that date. "Once the 49ers pay that bonus, any trade talks for Aiyuk... -
Schefter provides recovery update, potential return timeline for 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been the subject of significant trade speculation, especially with his $22.85 million roster bonus due on April 1. However, the recovery from a major knee injury complicates matters—Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL in... -
49ers Brandon Aiyuk trade: Why moving him now makes sense—and why it doesn't
The 49ers' return window for Brandon Aiyuk closes April 1, offering the Niners one final opportunity to trade him and move on from a contract decision they reportedly never wanted to make. No, it's not April Fools, but it sure feels a lot like Groundhog Day. Just months after...