The 2024-2025 NFL offseason has been defined by tense contract negotiations featuring some of the league’s premier pass catchers. Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Tee Higgins, and Brandon Aiyuk have all handled their disputes differently in the hopes of securing their next long-term deals.
Yet, arguably the biggest domino of this bunch, CeeDee Lamb has officially fallen. Last season’s receptions leader signed a new deal with the Dallas Cowboys for four years $136 million. He also secured the largest signing bonus for a wide receiver ever with $38 million. While Lamb can finally rest easy, Brandon Aiyuk’s saga has only gotten more interesting as the clock continues to tick.
How Will CeeDee Lamb’s Deal Impact the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk?
Value Proposition
While no deal has come to fruition in the Bay Area it is not for a lack of effort. It has been speculated that Brandon Aiyuk is looking for a deal in the $30 million per year range. It was also reported that he nixed a potential trade to the New England Patriots that came with a $32 million annual salary.
As it stands only five wide receivers currently demand salaries of $30 million annually; Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill. Aiyuk views himself as a member of this elite group of pass catchers. The real question is do the 49ers?
Brandon Aiyuk vs. the Best of the Best
For the season Aiyuk finished 31st in targets, 24th in receptions, and 17th in touchdown receptions. His 1342 receiving yards were good for seventh in the league highlighting his outstanding efficiency with the ball in his hands.
Unfortunately for Aiyuk, when compared to the players earning the salary he desires he falls a bit short. Except for Jefferson who missed seven games due to injury, all of Brown, Hill, Lamb, and St. Brown found themselves ranked top eight in receptions, top seven in targets, and top five in receiving yards. Brandon Aiyuk was solid in his yards per reception with a robust 17.9 yards, good for ninth overall last season.
On paper, a multiyear deal with over $30 million a year seems like an overpay for the Arizona State product. Yet, as is the case with contracts, Aiyuk is simply looking to stay ahead of the curve.
What’s Next?
Aiyuk is going to get his money and it will likely be from the 49ers. It stands to reason that San Francisco was waiting to see how the other wide receiver contracts play out across the league. It is without a doubt a gamble to pay a player top five money when he seems to reside more so in the top 20 range.
With Lamb off the board it would not be shocking to see Ja’marr Chase singing soon as well (he rejoined the Bengals at practice after sitting out 17 camp practices). If the reports of a $30 million annual asking price are true, that places Aiyuk among the best in the business. Is it an overpay? Most likely. If it leads to a Super Bowl run is it worth it? Without a doubt. Many of the 49ers’ other key pieces are aging or will also face contract questions. Who’s to say that Brandon Aiyuk doesn’t increase his statistical production if given the reins to the pass-catching core in a season or two?
With roughly two weeks on the clock and a new precedent established, the ball rests firmly in the 49ers court.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
