In the world of American football, there are whispers circulating that the San Francisco 49ers may have a bit of dysfunction bubbling beneath the surface. While I’m not personally making this claim, there are some who are. And the recent contract negotiations with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk seem to provide some ammunition for those who subscribe to this theory.
The 49ers seemed to fumble the ball when it came to handling Aiyuk’s contract, reminiscent of a similar misstep involving Nick Bosa in the past. Had they played their cards right, they could have locked Aiyuk in for a much more favorable deal than what they ultimately agreed upon. It appears they misjudged the evolving landscape of the market.
Rumors suggest that prior to Amon-Ra St. Brown signing with the Detroit Lions, the 49ers had the opportunity to secure Aiyuk for $27 million per year in new money. Shortly after reports surfaced that Aiyuk was seeking a trade, it was revealed that five other teams were willing to offer $28 million per year. Despite the competitive offers, the 49ers remained steadfast in their position.
As the negotiations dragged on into July, the final offer stood at $27 million per year. Eventually, they sweetened the deal to the tune of $12 million over a four-year extension. However, Aiyuk’s absence from practice during this time has raised concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.
This situation serves as a cautionary tale for other NFL teams. If you know you’re going to strike a deal eventually, why delay? The price tag is only going to increase with time. By finalizing agreements before training camp commences, players can hit the ground running and avoid missing crucial preparation time.
In this case, the 49ers miscalculated the market’s trajectory, underestimated Aiyuk’s market value, and underestimated his determination to hold out. As a result, they ended up shelling out an additional $12 million. It’s a costly lesson for the team, but one that serves as a reminder of the high stakes and fierce competition that characterize the NFL landscape.
