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Because of Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy, the 49ers are able to pay Aiyuk Brandon………………………..
The San Francisco 49ers clearly followed through on their long-term financial plan. The viability of the team spending a large amount of money on both wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, has been a topic of much debate. There are others who doubt the rationality of making such a large commitment in one player, particularly in light of the fact that the 49ers gave Samuel a huge three-year contract extension just two years prior.
The quarterback Brock Purdy’s upcoming contract extension, which will make him the team’s highest-paid player, complicates this discussion. He might potentially end up among the highest-paid players in the NFL. Whether or not he can duplicate his Pro Bowl 2023 campaign’s exceptional performance will determine where he stands in terms of average compensation.
That agreement on Purdy’s contract status and Samuel, though, might make it possible for the 49ers to grant Aiyuk’s contract requests. Aiyuk’s salary is presently projected to count $14.124 million against the salary limit in 2024 when he exercises his fifth-year option, which is due to the team. That number won’t always rise with a contract renewal. Instead, it will probably cut it by giving the receiver a basic pay that is lower this year and distributing his signing bonus over the course of the contract—or even more during void years.
The 49ers are in a good financial position this year with Purdy expected to make around $1 million in his third year of a rookie contract and an estimated $18 million in salary-cap savings hitting the books in June as a result of the release of defensive end Arik Armstead. Additionally, any excess salary-cap capacity for 2024 may be rolled over into 2025.
In the future, Samuel’s contract will end in 2025. If the 49ers would rather take on $15.14 million in dead money than absorb the $24.2 million salary cap hit next year, they even have the option to leave after the current season. In any case, Aiyuk’s possible contract won’t affect the 49ers until the next season, and Samuel still gives the team choices.
Purdy’s upcoming contract will still be reasonably affordable in 2025 even with a new agreement, with the signing bonus having the biggest influence. This effect, while significant, may not be felt for the whole term of the contract or longer. Purdy’s acquisition is expected to have an impact in 2026, following Samuel’s contract expiration.
While Samuel’s contract is still up for grabs, many believe Aiyuk is a superior player all around, having played in at least 16 games in each of the last three seasons. In the upcoming years, San Francisco is increasingly likely to look for a Samuel substitute.
The 49ers should choose Aiyuk over Samuel, as ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller recently noted: “[Even though I adore Deebo, he’s been hurt since college. It’s just the way he plays. He endures a lot of hardship.”
Why, therefore, are doubts raised regarding the 49ers’ capacity to pay two elite receivers at the same time? In terms of finances, it seems doable. Since there are already a lot of high-value contracts in place, it might just be a matter of perception.
On the other hand, the 49ers’ strategy may be seen as evidence of their dedication to compensating important players while keeping a strong roster. Under the current management, the team has extended the contracts of tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and defensive end Nick Bosa during the last four years.
General manager John Lynch praised Aiyuk during conversations at the NFL Scouting Combine, saying, “And I think we’ve got a nice track record of extending the players that are important to us, and Brandon’s a guy we want to keep around for a long time.”