San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would like to continue being a Niner, although the words he used are noncommittal.
"If that's the right move," he said.
Aiyuk is in the final year of his rookie contract, and according to projections, with his increased play in the last three years, he deserves a bigger payday. He will seek it.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Niners will address his contract concerns soon.
"My understanding is obviously there are teams who would love to trade for the very, very talented young receiver," Rapoport said Sunday on NFL Network.
"The 49ers firmly believe he is in their plans; I would expect them to get to work on a new deal for him, probably after free agency."
Salary cap situation in San Francisco
While there is a mutual interest between the two camps, the salary cap situation might hinder the completion of an extension.
Read more: Giants 'Absolutely Done' With QB Daniel Jones After Terrible 2023 Season
Several players are about to get new deals, too. Aiyuk's place in the roster seemed like an afterthought for the Niners based on general manager John Lynch's explanation that they have 'some challenges' in addressing the wide receiver's situation.
"He plays with such physicality, also with grace, in the way some of the positions his body can get into," he told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine last week.
"And then he's got a flair for making plays when [they] matter most, and he's served us very well as a franchise. And I think we've got a nice track record of extending the players that are important to us, and Brandon's the guy we want to keep around for a long time."
Brandon Aiyuk's salary projection
Aiyuk, who posted a team-best 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, could receive around $20.3 million per year on a four-season contract, according to Spotrac.
The amount is slightly lower than the $20.97 million his teammate Deebo Samuel will receive next season.
Brandon Aiyuk is only 25 years old and about to reach the peak of his career. If the Niners don't arrive at a reasonable extension, other teams are ready to break the bank for him.
Brandon Aiyuk trade destinations
1. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are in dire need of a quality wide receiver. It will feel like they got DeAndre Hopkins back, as both players love being route-runners.
The best part is that Arizona has a lot of wiggle room in their cap space with $44.6 million. It will be easy for them to absorb his contract and re-sign him to a lengthy extension.
Aiyuk might also be the guy to bring Kyle Murrey to another level.
2. Houston Texans
The Texans already have a stud in CJ Stroud. They reached the playoffs last season in his rookie year.
For someone of his gravity-the type who can stretch the field-Aiyuk will have more liberty with his route-running ability.
They have $65.4 million in projected cap space, making them capable of acquiring Aiyuk based on his market value demands.
The team needs to surround their future superstar with more offensive players. They already have young players in Nico Collins and Tank Dell, who turned heads last season and are expected to improve in the next ones.
3. Washington Commanders
The only problem here is that Aiyuk will find himself as a non-contender. The Commanders, expected to pick a quarterback at no. 2, have a league-high $83.5 million in cap space.
They could pay the 25-year-old a top-tier salary.
They will have to give up some assets to acquire Aiyuk. Right now, they still have the 36th and 40th pick.
Regardless, Aiyuk will have a great time with the Commanders as a No. 1 option.
Related article: Where Do the Commanders Stand on Sam Howell? Will They Trade Him?
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