In order to address their salary cap predicament, the San Francisco 49ers will need to make some difficult decisions during the summer. But with the problems they are going to have, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk might not make it.
As he approaches the last year of his contract with the 49ers, Aiyuk is eligible for an extension. The young wideout’s $14.1 million fifth-year option was exercised by San Francisco this offseason, but if they can’t come to an agreement on his contract, it’s probable the team would trade him because they’ll need cap space in 2024.
According to the scouting department of Bleacher Report, Aiyuk, offensive tackle Kolton McKivitz, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw have been regarded as the 49ers’ top trade pieces should the organization decide to investigate its alternatives.
Even if it’s said that the 49ers would want to keep Aiyuk, it would be difficult for them to turn down a solid offer.
Aiyuk is undoubtedly a fascinating prospect because he has grown with the Niners each of his three seasons there. He had his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2023, increasing his receiving yards to a career-high 1342 and hauling in seven touchdowns on 75 receptions.
The 49ers need cap space, and they might have to decide how to handle wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s future in order to get it. If San Francisco is unable to extend Aiyuk, he could be used as a trade asset. Aiyuk is scheduled to play on his fifth-year option.
The 49ers don’t intend to deal Aiyuk, but the proper offer can quickly alter that, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. Receivers are anticipated to be deep in the 2024 draft class, so it’s not a bad idea to acquire a new No. 2 wideout on a rookie contract.
Although he is nearing the conclusion of his deal, 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been excellent. He would save $6.8 million in cap space if he were dealt. Kolton McKivitz might be moved as part of San Francisco’s plan to upgrade at right tackle.
Moving McKivitz would free up $1.9 million in cap space, but he wouldn’t fetch much in return.
Naturally, nothing is guaranteed just yet. Many things might still change when the 49ers play in Super Bowl 58. Who knows? If Aiyuk does well in the big game, the Niners might decide to hold onto him or let him go at a time when his worth is at an all-time high.
