NFL insider explains how Brandon Aiyuk’s bold holdout paid off with new contract

San Francisco 49ers fans finally let out a sigh of relief last Friday when their star wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, signed a 4-year, $120 million contract extension with the team. However, it did not come easy, as the 49ers and Aiyuk went back and forth several times, even exploring possible trades with other teams.

According to insider Albert Breer, the bold holdout paid off for Aiyuk because San Francisco was where he wanted to stay all along. He explained:

"He knows how hard it is to win a Super Bowl, he’s been to the NFC title game three times in four years. The 49ers’ offers were competitive, despite tax-heavy California. He’s also a West Coast kid who grew up in the state, and went to college in Arizona." [H/T Sports Illustrated]

The 49ers were the NFC Champions last year but fell short of their sixth Super Bowl after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 25-22 in overtime.

NFL: Super Bowl LVIII-San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Imagn

His contract ensures he will stay with the team through 2028, earning $30 million per year. He declined offers from the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Deebo Samuel's future uncertain after Brandon Aiyuk's deal

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who changed his jersey number to one this offseason, only has one more year with the 49ers.

The Niners' roster is nearly bursting at the seams with two very expensive wideouts - Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel. What's more, Samuel's contract has a potential opt-out clause after the current season.

The team also brought aboard WR Jauan Jennings with a $15.39 million contract and signed wideout Ricky Pearsall to a four-year deal worth $12.5 million. Given these additions, Samuel's future with the 49ers beyond the 2024 season remains shrouded in mist.

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