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49ers weigh difficult receiver options with free agency looming originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Two of the biggest items on the 49ers’ to-do list for the offseason pertain to their own wide receivers.
First, the 49ers next week might have to make a decision on restricted free agent Jauan Jennings, whom the club would like to secure with a multi-year contract extension.
Down the line, San Francisco has to work out something with Brandon Aiyuk, who has become the 49ers’ top wide receiver and one of the best in the NFL.
And when the topic of difficult decisions is broached with the costs of rising contracts, the 49ers also have to enact a plan for their future with Deebo Samuel.
Here is a closer look at the situations surrounding their top three wide receivers:
Brandon Aiyuk
A year ago, the 49ers picked up the fully guaranteed fifth-year option of $14.124 million for the 2024 season. While Aiyuk could play for the 49ers this season on that contract, that is an option that neither side wants.
Why he should stay: Aiyuk and coach Kyle Shanahan both put in a lot of work to get to the point that Aiyuk is now one of the best receivers in the NFL. He had 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Aiyuk works the middle of the field very well, and quarterback Brock Purdy makes those tough throws in traffic to enable Aiyuk to pop big gains. He averaged 17.9 yards per catch.
Aiyuk only is 25 years old and he takes good care of his body, so he figures to be a good player for a long time.
If the 49ers sign him to a multi-year extension — let’s say four years, $100 million — it can be structured in a way to significantly lowers his cap figure for the upcoming season.
Why he should go: If the sides are far from agreement on Aiyuk’s worth, the 49ers could trade him. That move would shed Aiyuk’s cap costs for this year. The 49ers could receive valuable draft picks that could lead to a talented, less-expensive wide receiver and, likely, a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-weigh-difficult-receiver-options-213838685.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-03-08 21:38:38
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