49ers Retain Brandon Aiyuk, Finalize $120M Contract Decision Ahead of NFL Draft

49ers Opt to Keep Star WR Brandon Aiyuk Ahead of NFL Draft Deadline
By Alex Rakin | Updated: 20:37 BST, 30 March 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have decided to retain standout wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk ahead of a critical deadline, avoiding a $22.85 million roster bonus payment due Tuesday if he remained on the team. ESPN reports the organization has no plans to trade the 27-year-old despite speculation linking him to offseason moves.

[Image: Brandon Aiyuk and Brock Purdy walking off the field after a 2023 game vs. Baltimore Ravens. Caption: Aiyuk’s 2023 season ended with a Super Bowl berth and All-Pro honors.]

Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco had been in doubt following the trade of fellow receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders and the team’s tight salary cap situation ($279.2 million for 2025). However, the 49ers appear committed to their four-year, $120 million investment in Aiyuk, who signed an extension last August after a brief contract holdout.

Injury Challenges and Recovery
Aiyuk’s 2024 season was cut short by a knee injury in October, limiting him to just 25 receptions for 374 yards over seven games. General Manager John Lynch offered optimism about his recovery last month: “He’s doing well…top-end athletes tend to heal faster, and that’s happening with Brandon.” A key medical evaluation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache is slated for April.

[Image: John Lynch speaking at a press conference. Caption: 49ers GM John Lynch expressed confidence in Aiyuk’s rehabilitation progress.]

Draft Strategy Shifts
With Aiyuk staying, San Francisco may shift its focus in April’s NFL Draft. Holding the No. 11 overall pick, the team could target younger receivers like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Texas’ Matthew Golden to complement Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall. The latter, a 24-year-old rookie, rebounded from an August 2024 shooting incident in San Francisco to post 31 catches in 11 games.

Roster Outlook
The 49ers face roster uncertainty beyond Aiyuk. Tight end George Kittle, 31, is recovering from abdominal surgery, and Christian McCaffrey’s absence for much of 2024 exposed depth issues. Retaining Aiyuk provides stability for quarterback Brock Purdy, who will need reliable targets to contend in a competitive NFC.

[Image: Ricky Pearsall in practice. Caption: Pearsall emerged as a key contributor after overcoming a traumatic rookie year.]

San Francisco’s decision avoids a major offseason shakeup, but pressure mounts for a deep playoff run after last year’s injury-marred campaign. With Aiyuk secured, the draft becomes a pivotal moment to address lingering gaps and reignite their Super Bowl aspirations.

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