49ers GM gets candid about Brandon Aiyuk's $120,000,000 contract

On Thursday, Brandon Aiyuk secured his future with the San Francisco 49ers, agreeing to a four-year, $120-million extension. The news ended a lengthy standoff that involved a holdout and trade demand.

On Friday, general manager and president of football operations John Lynch issued this reaction:

"We were thrilled to draft Brandon in 2020 and are now equally excited to have him in the fold for years to come. Brandon is a special talent who is a warrior on the field and plays with a passion that we look for in 49ers players. We look forward to Brandon continuing to be part of what we strive to accomplish as an organization."

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George Kittle reacts to Brandon Aiyuk's $120-million extension

With Brandon Aiyuk set to continue donning the red, white and gold for the foreseeable future, at least one of his teammates has publicly expressed joy. Tight end George Kittle told NBC Sports Bay Area:

"I'm really happy. Just put a big smile on my face yesterday. I’m so happy for Brandon and his family. He put the work in, he's made the plays, he's shown up when we need him to show up, he's done everything we’ve needed him to do."

Following his tenuous contract negotiation with the 49ers in 2020, which then-cornerback Richard Sherman helped him navigate, he empathized with the receiver. Kittle eventually received a five-year, $75 million deal - the richest at his position at the time.

"I referenced it to him once. I told him, 'It's really going to suck, you’re going to hate everything about it, but once it's done, it's like braces, and you'll never remember the entire process of having them.' I don't remember braces at all."

Kittle concluded:

"To get rewarded like that is awesome. I'm so happy for [Aiyuk]. I'm happy that he's a 49er. I love being his teammate. I love practicing with him. I love watching him play games. I’m very excited about this. I hope all the Niners are happy about it."

Aiyuk is expected to begin practicing on September 3, just under a week before the 49ers host the New York Jets.