49ers Retain Brandon Aiyuk While Preparing for Brock Purdy’s Extension
The San Francisco 49ers have been making key financial moves to ensure their roster remains competitive for years to come. While trade rumors swirled around star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the team ultimately decided to keep him, securing his services with a lucrative contract extension. Meanwhile, with quarterback Brock Purdy proving himself as a franchise player, the team is now focused on structuring his contract extension.
Aiyuk Stays in San Francisco
Contrary to speculation, the 49ers did not trade Aiyuk to clear cap space. Instead, they signed him to a four-year, $120 million extension in August 2024, which includes $76 million in guaranteed money. This deal ensures Aiyuk remains a key weapon in the offense through the 2028 season.
Aiyuk had been the subject of trade rumors for much of the 2024 offseason. With the emergence of Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey in the 49ers’ offense, some analysts believed Aiyuk could be expendable, especially given the salary cap constraints the team was facing. However, his career-best 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in the 2023 season proved that he was too valuable to let go.
During contract negotiations, Aiyuk engaged in a brief training camp hold-in, refusing to practice without a new deal. While this led to concerns about his future with the team, the 49ers ultimately committed to keeping their star receiver.
Purdy’s Contract Extension on the Horizon
With Aiyuk’s extension settled, the focus has now shifted to quarterback Brock Purdy. After taking over as the team’s starting quarterback in 2023, Purdy has exceeded expectations, leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in consecutive seasons. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the team is working on securing him long-term.
Purdy, who was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has significantly outperformed his rookie deal, which pays him just under $1 million per year. Given his performance and market conditions, Purdy is expected to land a contract in the range of $50 to $55 million annually. Some reports even suggest he initially sought a deal comparable to Dak Prescott’s projected $60 million per year.
49ers Clearing Cap Space
To accommodate Purdy’s extension, the 49ers have had to make difficult financial decisions. One major move was trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel, which freed up significant cap space. While Samuel was a fan favorite and an integral part of the offense, the team prioritized Purdy’s contract, knowing that a franchise quarterback is the most critical piece of long-term success.
Other salary cap moves include restructuring contracts and potentially parting ways with aging veterans. These decisions reflect the 49ers’ strategy of maintaining a competitive core while making financial room for key players.
Looking Ahead
With Aiyuk secured and Purdy’s extension in the works, the 49ers are ensuring stability for their future. Despite trade rumors, the team has retained its key playmakers, setting the stage for another Super Bowl run. Now, the biggest remaining task is finalizing Purdy’s extension, which could make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.