San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuk looked visibly upset after a 25-22 Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The emotions were still fresh for the 25-year-old after a heartbreaking defeat. With the game now behind him, the star receiver will need to prepare for a critical upcoming season.
Entering a contract year, Aiyuk remained vague when discussing his long-term future with the organization. His response to the press when asked if his aim is to remain with the 49ers was simply “If that’s the right move, yeah.” Asked to expand on what he meant by right move Aiyuk replied “Being a champion.”
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Brandon Aiyuk was asked about his social media posts and if he wants to stay with the team 👀
(h/t @mattblively)pic.twitter.com/pC0CdE924a https://t.co/8o8s8kVU2n
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 13, 2024
San Francisco used a first round pick (25th overall) to select Brandon Aiyuk in the 2020 NFL Draft and the move seems to have paid off. The 6’0″ receiver is an exceptional route runner, has great speed and reliable hands. He has developed into one of the top players on a 49ers offense littered with talent.
Aiyuk is entering the 2024 season on a fifth-year rookie option and is in line for a lucrative new deal. Whether his future lies in the Bay Area is still to do determined.
In a recent piece on NFL.com, 49ers GM John Lynch spoke about a revised contract and the team’s desire to hold onto to one of their star players.
“Brandon’s been a fantastic player for us,” said Lynch. “We’re extremely prideful in what he’s become, and he should be as well.”
Lynch touched on hanging onto his top players but cap space will be an issue for the organization moving forward. Trent Williams is set to be the highest paid player on the roster. Deebo Samuel, Arik Armstead, Fred Warner and George Kittle on all on massive contracts as well.
Lynch is keen to hold on to Aiyuk and will have to work his magic this year to see how he can make the numbers work.
“You want a guy like Brandon Aiyuk to be a part of you going forward,” added Lynch
