Ex-NFL GM outlines three possible paths for Brandon Aiyuk amid 49ers extension drama

Brandon Aiyuk and the Niners seem to be at an impasse, with no resolve to the contract extension saga in sight and training camp already in full swing. Former NFL GM Michael Lombardi presented three options applicable to both parties.

The San Francisco 49ers picked Aiyuk in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The wide receiver signed a four-year contract with the franchise for $12.5 million and an additional $6.6 million as a signing bonus. The agreement also stipulates a fifth-year option which will pay Aiyuk $14.12 million.

Amidst this, there has been a breakdown of negotiation for the extension amongst the parties and Brandon Aiyuk has requested for a trade. Lombardi appeared on ESPN’s ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ and highlighted his options for Aiyuk and the Niners.

“We just saw DJ Moore get done by the Bears, it was 27 million a year”, said Lombardi. “Which didn't come close to anything, that we see it whether it's 32-35 for Jefferson. So, to me, there's got to be a deadline on Brandon Aiyuk.”

“‘Either you take this deal. And that's the best we're going to offer you, or you play on your fifth year, or you retire from football’. I mean, there's three things to do. But it's somebody's got to make that decision. I mean, this thing can't keep lingering on, lingering on, lingering on. At some point. You have to be a leader and say, ‘Okay, enough is enough’.”

The 26-year-old is currently holding out for a higher deal than the Niners are prepared to offer.

Does Brandon Aiyuk deserve top 10 WR money?

While the Niners and Aiyuk’s agent figure out the perfect deal for him, Mark Schlereth has already put a cap on the final figure. The three-time Super Bowl champion appeared on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’ and proclaimed his judgment.

“I don't look at him as the top weapon on his own team”, said Schlereth. So how are you going to make that guy a top-five or 10 paid wide receiver? I just don't. That doesn't make sense to me.”

Currently, to break into the top 10 in WR salaries around the league, Brandon Aiyuk will need a contract that would pay him more than $24 million a year.