Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers now have a target range on new contract extension

While the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk reportedly aren’t close on extension terms, there’s reportedly a benchmark that both sides potentially seek.

The San Francisco 49ers frequently take a more patient approach with their star players who are awaiting contract extensions.

Typically, such deals take place just prior to training camp, although last year’s standoff with defensive end Nick Bosa lasted well into camp and almost into the regular season.

The Niners hope the same scenario doesn’t play out with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, their leading receiver from the last two seasons who is awaiting a lucrative extension of his own as he enters the fully guaranteed fifth-year option portion of his rookie contract.

Despite trade rumors circulating before (and even during) the 2024 NFL Draft, both sides appear interested in getting a deal done, although recent reports have said the two parties aren’t close on terms.

Yet it might be in Aiyuk’s best interest to wait.

The offseason wide receiver market still hasn’t quite settled yet. While Aiyuk may not seek to be the highest-paid wideout in NFL history, he’ll still want to be compensated in light of other deals that have either gone down already.

Or could potentially be agreed upon in the forthcoming weeks.

Speaking on NFL Live (h/t Bleacher Report), ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the recently signed deal between the Detroit Lions and their star receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, is the new floor for any contract with Aiyuk.

From Fowler:

“I was told the benchmark here is Amon-Ra St. Brown,” Fowler said. “He got $28 million a year on a four-year from Detroit. The goal appears to be to try to beat that. He doesn’t have to be the highest paid in the league, but he’s done enough and he’s accomplished enough in that offense to where he is probably going to need to be at that number or higher.”

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings are looking to extend their own star wide receivers, CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson, respectively, to deals that could top over $30 million per year, resetting the wide receiver market.

According to Fowler, Aiyuk’s intention isn’t to match those numbers, but they are influential to his overall value.

Perhaps that helps explain why Aiyuk is willing to be patient.

Meanwhile, Aiyuk hasn’t been in attendance for San Francisco’s offseason workouts at organized team activities, which are voluntary. Mandatory minicamp, however, begins in early June, and another wrinkle could be added to the fray if Aiyuk opts to skip those amid his current standoff.

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