The San Francisco 49ers have built up a wrecking ball. Part of what makes them go is the often-underappreciated efforts of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The soon-to-be fourth-year man out of Arizona State will reportedly receive a significant form of gratitude. Reports indicate that the 49ers will exercise the fifth-year option on Aiyuk’s contract.
“It hasn’t been made official but — and this is no surprise — the #49ers are planning to exercise the 5th-year option on WR Brandon Aiyuk,” ESPN 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner tweeted.
It hasn't been made official but — and this is no surprise — the #49ers are planning to exercise the 5th-year option on WR Brandon Aiyuk.
"It probably makes sense to do that," GM John Lynch said. Lynch added "we're excited about watching Brandon move forward with us."
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) March 27, 2023
Aiyuk had his most productive year yet with the 49ers last season. He caught 78 passes, recorded 1,015 yards, and scored eight receiving touchdowns. Through three seasons, Aiyuk has 194 receptions, 2,589 receiving yards, and 18 receiving touchdowns.
This season, Aiyuk will be due $2.3 million. His fifth-year option, per Spotrac, will run the 49ers $14,124,000 in 2024.
The NFL world reacted to the huge news after it broke.
“As we should,” one 49ers fan said.
As we should 💯 https://t.co/ztegngE4er
— Young Heavy♠️👑 (@YoungHeavy24) March 27, 2023
Another 49er fan was very pleased by the news.
https://t.co/JmPSBgo8S6 pic.twitter.com/wZJeumClFm
— Jarvis😈RPG Gamer🎮⚔️ (@Shazam_970) March 27, 2023
A fan considered Aiyuk to be one o the best receivers in the NFL.
One of the best receivers in the league, really underrated https://t.co/ffHkcq6Z5N
— Charlie Grace (@CharlieGJourno) March 27, 2023
Another user pointed out that because of playtime criteria, Aiyuk was able to qualify for an option escalator. So, in his case, thank goodness he racked it up.
Brandon Aiyuk was one of ten players from the 2020 NFL Draft who didn’t make a Pro Bowl but qualified for an option escalator through the playtime criteria.
His fifth-year option will come in at $14,124,000 https://t.co/9RoQyGMZG7
— Neer Ray (@NeerRayNFL) March 27, 2023
The 49ers will return many of their star playmakers on offense and defense next season as they look to reign as NFC West Champions again.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022