The Dallas Cowboys possibly tightened the screws on the San Francisco 49ers after they gave star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb a massive contract extension on Monday.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lamb and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $136M deal. This makes him the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history behind Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson. The contract includes a $38M signing bonus, the largest ever given to a WR.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk, who has held in during training camp and preseason, could command a similar deal.
Along with Lamb, Aiyuk is considered one of the league’s top pass-catchers. In 16 games last season, the 26-year-old had 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches, earning a second-team All-Pro nod.
Aiyuk and the 49ers can’t seem to agree on the right price. According to The Athletic’s David Lombardi, the former first-round pick still wants more money, but the 49ers want to preserve cap space for a potential extension for third-year QB Brock Purdy.
The 49ers are in a tight financial position after they paid edge-rusher Nick Bosa (five years, $170M) last offseason. Over The Cap.com estimates San Francisco will be $38.9M over the cap in 2025.
Lombardi added the 49ers have explored potential Aiyuk trades with multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, sending the wideout elsewhere seems like a move they would regret.
Per ESPN’s Ben Solak, since 2022, Purdy has recorded a 32.6% explosive play rate (passes of 20 yards or more) when targeting Aiyuk. Purdy averages an 18.3% explosive play rate when targeting WR Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey.
Aiyuk’s absence clearly impacted Purdy during the preseason. He completed 11 of 18 passes for 107 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception, posting a below-average 54.6 passer rating.
The 49ers will probably have to shell out a gargantuan contract for Aiyuk after Lamb’s extension. Still, extending him should be a worthwhile investment. He clearly plays a crucial role in their offense and could help them make a second straight Super Bowl trip.
