49ers Could Decide “Difficultly” to Trade $72 Million Star Wide Receiver, Per Insider

There was a persistent problem in the background during the 49ers’ 2023 Super Bowl run. Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is now with the team on a fifth-year option contract for $14.1 million, but it is unlikely that he will play at that time as he is due for an extension. In addition, fellow standout 49ers player Deebo Samuel, who is now playing out a three-year, $71.5 million contract, has the largest cap hit in 2024.

Aiyuk’s ambiguous remarks on his future following the season and how good he was in 2023 make it difficult to see how the 49ers will be able to pay both players. According to Spotrac, Aiyuk’s estimated market worth is $23.9 million a year, which would result in a projected $92 million contract over four years.

Additionally, 49ers insider Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports that if it comes down to choosing between Aiyuk and Samuel, with one being moved and the other remaining, Aiyuk would probably be dealt while Samuel would likely be kept.

Brandon Aiyuk and Brock Purdy Get Along Well

Speaking on Friday on KNBR radio in San Francisco’s “Papa & Lund” podcast, Barrows suggested that Aiyuk’s rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy could be the decisive factor in keeping him in the area.

Barrows stated, “I believe they go with Brandon Aiyuk because he’s on the same page as Brock Purdy if it came down to Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk.” “That chemistry was evident all year long. They appeared to be meant to be together. While Deebo Samuel had some really amazing games this season, they didn’t seem to have the same passing synergy. They seem to be meant to be together. He created yards after the catch on many of the short catches that made up his yardage total.

“It’s not an easy decision to make, but that’s how I envision things working out if they had to make a decision that difficult.”

In 2023, Aiyuk caught 75 catches for 1,342 yards, which was a career high. With 28 catches of 20 yards or more, he ranked third in the NFL and sixth in terms of receiving yards. He is perhaps the best deep threat in the NFL, ranking as Pro Football Focus’s second-best receiver this season with a rating of 91.5.

Samuel, on the other hand, had a strong year despite missing Weeks 7 and 8 due to an injury sustained in Week 6. He had 60 catches for 892 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition, he gained 225 yards and five additional scores on 37 rushes. It’s not surprising that he has suffered from injuries during his career, considering his physical style.

Losing Samuel would mean losing one of Kyle Shanahan’s favorite weapons, as he adds a distinct dimension to the 49ers attack with his ability to break tackles and charge forward.

However, relocating Aiyuk or Samuel would unquestionably fall inside the salary cap. We may anticipate that the 49ers would use receiver Juaun Jennings—who finished the postseason with 10 catches and a touchdown—in their stead to increase his involvement in the offense.

In order to locate a more affordable option, the 49ers may also pick a wide receiver and/or search the free agent market. One such player might be former 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne, who is currently a free agent with the Patriots.
Nevertheless, Samuel is a special player in the NFL that they would not be able to replace. It would be hard to trade him. However, the pay cap could not provide them with an option.

Veteran sports writer Sean Deveney works for Heavy.com, covering the NBA and NFL. With over 20 years of NBA coverage experience, including 17 years as the lead NBA correspondent for Sporting News, he has been writing for Heavy since 2019. Seven nonfiction works, including “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley Becomes Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan,” have been written by Deveney.Additional information on Sean Devene