49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk contract extension to be completed, according to Albert Breer – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

While Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers are currently engaged in difficult contract negotiations, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes there is reason for optimism that the two sides will reach an agreement on terms.

Speaking to Colin Cowherd on FS1’s ‘The Herd’, Breer explained why San Francisco fans should be hopeful that both sides will work out a new contract soon.

“I think there are two things that give you some optimism that he could still be there (in San Francisco),” Breer said. “Number one is they aggressively acquired Christian McCaffrey (contract). And I think they had to do McCaffrey before they did Aiyuk, because now if you pay Aiyuk $29, $30, $31 million a year, McCaffrey’s price goes up, so you had to take care of him first.

Breer went on to explain why he believes San Francisco wants to keep Aiyuk given his explosive skills as a traditional wide receiver.

“The second thing is that our mutual friend Mike Silver reported that they (offered) $26 million, which isn’t that far off,” Breer told Cowherd. “And often these things get the ugliest towards the end and the Deebo (Samuel) thing wasn’t clean until it got to the very end.

“And I would tell you this, and I feel strongly about this part, I think if you were to give John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan truth serum and ask them who you would rather have on the roster, Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk I think they would answer Aiyuk.

“They love Deebo, Deebo can do a lot of different things for them, but Deebo is like a supercharged gadget player. Aiyuk is more of a typical number one receiver who can beat man coverage that you can build an offense around.

However, the NFL reporter also pointed out some possible situations where the team and the wideout could ultimately part ways.

“So, do I think they’re going to go to Justin Jefferson’s numbers to get Aiyuk signed? No, said Breer. “And if Aiyuk draws a line in the sand there and says, ‘I’m not going to take anything less than that,’ then maybe he gets traded. But if there is some level of compromise possible, I still think the Niners would like to get something done with Aiyuk and I don’t think the door is closed on that.”

The four-year pro is entering the final year of his five-year rookie contract and he has made it clear he wants a significant raise. Jefferson reset the market for wideouts with his massive four-year, $140 million deal, making it difficult for the 49ers to agree on a suitable contract.

Quarterback Brock Purdy has one year left on his rookie contract, and he too will command a high salary if he is up for an extension at the end of next season. Keeping Aiyuk, McCaffrey, Purdy, Samuel and tight end George Kittle could prove difficult in future seasons.

While contract talks continue, Aiyuk has been absent from the 49ers’ offseason program and has posted cryptic things on social media that indicate he is unhappy with his current situation.

Still, both sides are actively working out the monetary details to keep the recipient red and gold in the long run.

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