49ers Brandon Aiyuk ‘ready to go’ for Week 1 after elongated contract standoff

Sep 4, 2024, 12:32 PM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during an NFL divisional round playoff football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers’ 2024 offsets was marred with controversy, mainly centered around Brandon Aiyuk. But now that the dust has settled, even he’ll admit that contract talks got a bit out of hand.

The San Francisco 49ers locked down their star wide receiver to a four-year, $120 million extension over the weekend. A resoltuindidnt come with some grievances along the way though, with both Aiyuk and the 49ers at odds for a majority of the contract talks. Week-by-week there seemed to be a new twist ands turn in the saga, with trade rumors hating up at the beginning of August.

But at the end of the day, both parties wanted to continue their working relationship, even if the player made it more frustrating than it needed to be towards the end.

“I’m not going to lie: I made it a little bit more difficult than it needed to at the end,” Brandon Aiyuk said with a smirk about contract negotiations Tuesday.

Brandon Aiyuk: “I feel more ready. I’m super excited. I’m feeling fresh. Feeling renewed. Coming in with new energy.” 👏 pic.twitter.com/FrJlRcHUNl

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) September 3, 2024

Reports emerged last week that Aiyuk buckled under the pressure of being fined, signing a deal that had been on the table since August 12th. His comments Tuesday seem to validate the notion ever so slightly; But as we all know, it takes two to tango. And while the 49ers and Aiyuk were seemingly frustrated with one another for months, both continued a solid business relationship that allowed them too restore their working partnership.

“I mean, it was like that for me, I’m not going to say the whole entire time, but for about the past month, I think we were pretty good,” Aiyuk added.

Patience was a virtue for both sides as well, particularly Brandon Aiyuk.

The wideout shocked the NFL by reporting for training camp and holding in rather than out. That led to some pretty awkward encounters in the 49ers’ facility. The man known for his availability on the field wasn’t practicing, only taking part in meetings and other team activities.

As the days became weeks during training camp, the angst of not being out there got to Aiyuk more than he let on. But while he had to sacrifice in the short-term, he remained ready to go at a moments’ notice, eventually being rewarded with long-term financial security.

Back at #49ers practice on Tuesday:
– LT Trent Williams
– WR Brandon Aiyuk
– RB Christian McCaffrey pic.twitter.com/qSdgoGGlGS

— Lindsey Pallares (@lindseylares) September 3, 2024

“That was probably the hardest part about the whole thing just because at that point you got the rest of the team involved,” Aiyuk stated. “I’m here every single day, they’re suiting up, getting ready to go out to practice and I’m not…It was a little awkward, but I think it worked out how it needed to.”

The pressure doesn’t stop now though. Because now, he has to perform.

Aiyuk is now tied for fifth-highest-paid wide receiver in the league, alongside the likes of Tyreek Hill and Amon-Ra St. Brown. He’s earned that status, becoming a first-time All-Pro in 2023 following a 1,300-yard receiving season.

But can he keep it up is the question. Signs point to that being the case, given his age and skillset in the 49ers’ offensive juggernaut under coach Kyle Shanahan. Saying you can do it is one thing, going out and performing is another. He knows what’s at stake now that he’s one of the top dogs in that locker room.

“But that’s the reason why I’m going to get paid in a such manner,” Brandon Aiyuk said. “Because that’s the type of player I believe I am and that’s the player I want to continue to be and that’s the player that I strive to be. I think it’s more so putting that pressure on myself.”

That pressure starts Week 1 against the New York Jets Monday night.

Despite missing all of the preseason, Aiyuk has assured the 49ers and media alike that has kept his routine the best he could during the hold-in. That’s made easier by the fact that he remained in San Francisco, able to pick up where he left off as quarterback Brock Purdy’s No.1 target.

Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing like staying home where you know in your heart you belong.

“I think I just had a feel for what I wanted,” Brandon Aiyuk said. “Not just in terms of money but in all those things [franchsie and offensive stability] and ultimately, I wanted to be here. I ended up being here, so I’m happy. I’m good, I’m ready to go.”