Niners Receiver Brandon Aiyuk On Future In The NFL: ‘I’m Trying To Get What I Deserve’

Brandon Aiyuk, the San Fransisco 49ers’ star receiver, discussed his future in the league this week in an appearance on The Nightcap podcast with former NFL wide receivers Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco.

“I’m trying to get what I deserve,” Aiyuk said. “I feel like this season, this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and a player — what I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization. The value I hold when I walk in that building. People gonna follow me because I’ve done it the right way since I’ve been in that building. From the first day I walked in there to when I was in there earlier this morning. If they don’t see the worth in that, that’s all it is. It ain’t nothing else besides that. I can’t get into it. We got professionals working on both sides, so hopefully we can come to a professional agreement to continue playing professional football.”

Aiyuk’s message came after Niners general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters regarding his future, as he has been a frequent talking point in 49ers news this offseason.

“Nothing’s going on there,” Lynch said in response to trade rumors linking Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead, Lynch suggested that the two sides were “actively talking” about an extension to Aiyuk’s contract as the 2024-25 season will be the final year of his current deal.

Aiyuk didn’t get too specific on where he stands with his contract during the podcast but appreciated it when Ochocinco said he thinks he deserves to make $30-32 million a year before saying that he believes Aiyuk has proven his value and the 49ers should agree.

Aiyuk’s production for the 49ers has been great since he joined them as the 25th overall draft pick in 2020. In the last two seasons, he’s stepped up with 153 catches for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has played as a WR2 behind Deebo Samuel and a crucial piece of one of the most dangeours offenses in the league. The 49ers have proven that they can contend for a Super Bowl and Aiyuk will be a key part of the process if they plan to get back there and bring the Lombardi trophy home to San Fransisco.