Why the 49ers have a better chance of keeping Brandon Aiyuk this offseason

As we approach free agency, daily updates on Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation flood the NFL news cycle. Comparisons to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans have surfaced, but it’s crucial to understand that Evans’ impending 31st birthday and his contract details don’t precisely align with Aiyuk’s circumstances.

Evans recently inked a two-year deal valued at $52 million, with $35 million guaranteed. However, this isn’t the template the San Francisco 49ers should necessarily adopt. Aiyuk’s trajectory and potential warrant a unique approach. Additionally, fellow 2020 NFL Draft standouts Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb are also looming for lucrative extensions, further shaping the market dynamics.

Earlier this week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport conveyed the 49ers’ unwavering belief in Aiyuk’s future within their plans. This sentiment was echoed by Deebo Samuel, who confidently stated, “I don’t see him leaving,” during a discussion about his teammate with Kay Adams on Wednesday. Such affirmations from key figures within the organization indicate a strong commitment to retaining Aiyuk’s services and solidifying his role within the team’s offensive scheme for the foreseeable future.

In a recent article delving into the intricacies of the NFL salary cap, ESPN’s Dan Graziano provided insights into the San Francisco 49ers’ situation, highlighting their prospects for retaining key players despite significant cap charges.

Graziano emphasized the 49ers’ improved ability to maintain their championship-caliber roster due to the uptick in the salary cap. While San Francisco still needs to navigate some financial hurdles, Graziano pointed out the potential for restructuring contracts, specifically mentioning offensive tackle Trent Williams and edge rusher Arik Armstead as candidates. Restructuring these deals could yield substantial cap savings, crucial for maneuvering within the constraints of the cap.

Of particular note is the impact of the higher-than-projected salary cap increase, which provides the 49ers with additional flexibility. This development makes it more feasible for the team to retain standout receiver Brandon Aiyuk on his $14.124 million fifth-year option. Graziano highlighted that just this increase alone surpasses Aiyuk’s base salary for the upcoming season, underscoring the significance of the cap adjustment.

Moreover, Graziano pointed out that while the team may have previously contemplated trading Aiyuk if they couldn’t secure a contract extension, the higher cap figure now affords them more time and flexibility to negotiate and finalize his long-term deal. This underscores the pivotal role played by the salary cap in shaping roster decisions and player retention strategies across the league.

In summary, Graziano’s analysis sheds light on the intricate balancing act NFL teams must perform to navigate the salary cap landscape effectively. For the 49ers, the higher cap projection presents newfound opportunities to address cap challenges, retain key contributors like Aiyuk, and sustain their competitive edge in the pursuit of postseason success.

Regardless of which contracts get extended or restructured, the operation “Keep Aiyuk in the building” should be in full effect during the next couple of months.