49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk named to NFL Top 100 of 2024

Jul 25, 2024, 8:15 AM | Updated: Jul 26, 2024, 8:09 am

Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass during the first quarter against the Lo...

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers have a plethora of talent on both sides of the football, especially on offense. Now, Brandon Aiyuk is getting some of those flowers from the rest of the NFL world.

The NFL has begun unveiling their Top 100 list for 2024, with Aiyuk being the second 49er to make it this time around. The Arizona State alum checks in at 66th overall for 2024, a massive jump from being unranked a year prior. Despite having limited opportunities with so many mouths to feed, Aiyuk’s emergence as a route runner has put him in the upper echelon of active players, regardless of position.

The NFL unveils their Top 100 from 100-1, with more 49ers expected to be on it.

66. Brandon Aiyuk #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/ZhyqOTJ8dd

— NFL (@NFL) July 25, 2024

More on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk, 26, has been in a contract saga with the Red & Gold since the conclusion of the 2023 season. The Rocklin native posted career numbers last season, making his first All-Pro team. He also finished first in yards per catch (18.3) in the NFL.

The 49ers have a history of getting deals done leading into training camp (Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa). Many signs had pointed to the same outcome occurring with Aiyuk and his agents this offseason.

Reports indicated a deal was near completion at the conclusion of April and May. But then things changed, with the WR market exploding around the 49ers. That, in turn, led to a change of heart by Aiyuk, seeking market value for his talents.

As of now, both sides are at an impasse, with the Red & Gold unwilling to meet their players’ demands.

Brandon Aiyuk is on the final year of his rookie contract, slated to make $14.1 million this year. He has already made his desires to be paid quite clear, holding out of mandatory minicamp this summer. Those fines reach an excess of $100,000, a tax that the player feels necessary to make his point.

The 49ers have been relucant to deal their wideout, seeing his as a core piece of the future. If SF wants to play hardball, they could franchise tag Aiyuk after this season, dragging out the process further.

But with training camp now underway, the only question that matters is if, or when, Aiyuk and the 49ers will agree to a new deal. Or, something else is on the horizon.

The disgruntled wide receiver opted to hold-in for training camp, dismissing potential fines of $40k per day. Aiyuk is still not practicing until a new deal is reached however, seen watching training camp from the sidelines in a t-shirt and shorts Wednesday. After a few minutes, the player headed back into Levi’s Stadium, passing by media row while doing so.

Coach Kyle Shanahan cited neck and back soreness as to why Aiyuk did not participate on the field. But, w all know the real reasons for his hold-in.

“He’s going to stay out of practice, which is obviously a ‘hold in.’ It’s what we expected,” coach Kyle Shanahan told the media Wednesday. “I understand the situation fully.”

Brandon Aiyuk on the sidelines making his presence known for the opening of 49ers training camp and looked to be in good spirits, especially in front of my camera, before walking off to see GM John Lynch. pic.twitter.com/DYztDRYXbI

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) July 24, 2024