SANTA CLARA — Brandon Aiyuk’s long contract dispute with San Francisco ended Thursday when he agreed on a four-year contract to stay with the 49ers.
A person familiar with the deal says the sides came to the agreement Thursday after Aiyuk missed his second straight practice despite being cleared by team doctors to participate. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t been announced.
NFL Network first reported the agreement that will pay Aiyuk $120 million over four years with $76 million in guarantees.
Aiyuk had refused to practice all offseason as part of a contract “hold in” with the team, saying he had a back injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch said he was cleared by doctors before Wednesday’s practice but Aiyuk still didn’t join, risking fines.
During the stalemate, Aiyuk requested a trade and engaged in a visible social media campaign intended to increase his negotiating leverage.
But that was all settled a day later when the sides came to an agreement 11 days before the season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 9.
Aiyuk’s Breakout Performance Last Season
Aiyuk was a key part of San Francisco’s offense last season as he formed a great connection with quarterback Brock Purdy. Aiyuk had 75 catches and a career-high 1,375 yards last season with seven touchdowns as he earned second-team All-Pro honors.
Aiyuk has 269 catches for 3,931 yards and 25 TDs in four seasons since being drafted 25th overall in 2020 but has taken off since Purdy became quarterback.
