As mentioned, we have some insight now on what Aiyuk might be thinking as he told New England no.
But the original point of this thread was not Aiyuk, but what would YOU do if you were him?
I still contend I'd stay in SF unless another PIT/CLE/NE offered a ridiculously better offer. And even then I'm not sure.
I agree with this.
I appreciate some people view the numbers as a sign of recognition/respect. And certainly, he's allowed to want/aim for more money.
I think there's a realistic point where you have so much money--that more of it doesn't really change your life that much. I look at Dan Hurley from UCONN basketball. Kentucky and the Lakers offered him quite a bit more than the UCONN deal. But he stayed at UCONN for a measly 50 million.
For a lot of people, once you hit a certain threshold, more money isn't making a difference in your life. And then it becomes more about what you want aside from the money. I really value being where I'm at now. I think Dan Hurley clearly does too.
Me personally, if I was an NFL player, I would get the most I could out of SF and stay there. If all they can get me to is 20 million--cool. I heard the number 26 million tossed around. Even knowing I could get more elsewhere--I'd take the 26 to stay where I want to be/can win.