The San Francisco 49ers have been engaged in a challenging contract negotiation with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason as he seeks an extension before the 2024 season.
Negotiations have had their ups and downs, with recent reports indicating a slowdown following the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, there might be a positive turn soon, as ESPN’s Ryan Clark disclosed on NFL Live that Aiyuk is currently meeting with the 49ers in Santa Clara, a confirmation later provided by Adam Schefter.
49ers disgruntled WR Brandon Aiyuk is meeting today with the 49ers, as ESPN’s @Realrclark25 reported on NFL Live.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 24, 2024
Aiyuk’s contract talks coincide with a busy offseason for wide receivers, with many securing lucrative deals, driving up the market value.
His performance in 2023, with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, justifies his desire for a pay raise, placing him among the top receivers in the league.
The 49ers are no strangers to challenging extensions, often finalizing deals for their top players towards the end of negotiations.
One concern with talks extending into the offseason is Aiyuk’s absence from the team’s program, a situation previously experienced by teammates like Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa, resulting in slower starts to the season.
While the exact figures remain undisclosed, reports suggest a potential contract in the $25-30 million range annually, aligning with other recent extensions.
The meeting between the two parties is a positive indication that negotiations could progress favorably before the start of training camp in late July.