The San Francisco 49ers are one game away from the Lombardi Trophy, but their offseason “priorities” are also being revealed at the same time. It’s still unclear what will happen after the Super Bowl for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk is about to sign a big contract after serving another year. Most speculation has focused on how the 49ers will move away from him due to salary cap constraints, but NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that signing Aiyuk is a “priority” for the 49ers.
“Year 5, another 1,000-yard season, 18 yards per catch. I understand this is a major signing priority for the San Francisco 49ers. They want him long-term,” Rapoport said on Jan. 28.
Over the past two years, Aiyuk has become one of the NFL’s biggest passing threats. However, San Francisco is tied to several other big contracts, so creating cap space won’t be easy.
This may come at the expense of other players, but Aiyuk’s connection to QB Brock Purdy cannot be overlooked. Keeping the core of the offense together is as important as any other unit on the roster.
49ers salary cap situation
According to Spotrac, the 49ers currently have just $1.37 million in cap space. There is virtually no wiggle room, and space must be provided whether you are expanding or not.
That said, there are open trades, releases and general contract disputes that can be used to free up cap space. I’m thinking about linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Heavy’s Matthew Davis points out that as good as he is, San Francisco could save up to $7 million by trading him.
Therefore, they should also receive sufficient resources in return and through such trade. But what’s strange is that the 49ers’ front office doesn’t have to release players.
While this can lead to tighter salary caps later, turning your salary into a bonus can save you a lot of money. For example, trading WR Deebo Samuel could free up a total of $15.8 million. Using OT Trent Williams would free up another $15 million.
AIYUK’s next contract
For better or worse, Aiyuk is having the best season in the league during his biggest contract. The 49ers could keep him for another year, but would prefer to decide his future this offseason.
Spotrac expects his next deal to be worth about $23 million a year and extend for another four years. It’s expensive, but receiver contracts have skyrocketed over the past five years and Aiyuk has shown it’s worth it.
They could also increase their salary cap space by delaying his deal. For example, San Francisco could pay him half of the $23 million in the first year and split the rest in subsequent years.
That would allow the 49ers to keep the core of the team, but Aiyuk’s contract would also allow them to control Samuel and other players with salary increases after the 2024 season.
