If you're Brandon Aiyuk, how much more money per year would you have to make in PIT, CLE or NE to leave SF? (10 Viewers)

[Anarchy99]

If I was Aiyuk, I would have all the money I could ever need already and would move to the team most likely to win me a ring regardless of the salary

Guys still on their first contract really aren't getting huge amounts of money. Aiyuk has made $12.5 million in his career so far. For normal peeps, that's plenty of money, but for pro athletes, that's not all that much. Jefferson's recent extension included a $37 million signing bonus and another $73 million guaranteed. Obviously way more than Aiyuk has made to date.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I voted zero but it’s not about being paid more elsewhere. I want to be compensated as elite. If San Fran won’t show me that respect, then I would move on.

Thanks but I don't understand. You'd leave SF if they don't pay you as elite for another team that would pay the same as SF?

Maybe he gets more targets somewhere else. Maybe it sets him up for another, mid/late career contract at a higher pay level. Maybe it’s pure ego. Maybe pure stats. I can think of plenty of reasons.

My question was he said it was about being paid as elite.

I think the answer still stands.

That's an answer to a different question.

My question was asking Grid about it being about seen as elite when he said,

I voted zero but it’s not about being paid more elsewhere. I want to be compensated as elite. If San Fran won’t show me that respect, then I would move on.

For Aiyuk it might be about targets or next contract or other things. I didn't understand the point about it being seen as elite but willing to go to another team for the same money. I was trying to understand his point.

But the real issue is Aiyuk and what he'll do. It's interesting.

Back to Aiyuk, it looks like we have some answer in New England made an offer and he said no. I assume it was for more money than he's set to make in SF. So we have a little bit of an answer for him.

 

[Joe Bryant]

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.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Sounds like the Pats were ready to pony up $30M but Aiyuk had no interest.

I don't think the Steelers talks is totally dead but the 49ers wanted too much. According to local sports radio in Pittsburgh:

Here is what the Steelers are willing to put into a trade for Brandon Aiyuk:

• Dan Moore Jr
• James Daniels
• Calvin Austin
• 2nd round pick

The 49ers want one of these back in trade for Aiyuk:

• 1st round pick
• Pat Freiermuth
• George Pickens

Gonna be difficult to get something done IMO. Aiyuk wants to get paid + play for a contender. The 49ers want commiserate value.

Getting one would be hard, and achieving both is going to be especially tricky.

Lol Pickens for Aiyuk is a push, especially given contract considerations. Khan is too savvy to make a move like that.

 

[Da Guru]

If I was Aiyuk, I would have all the money I could ever need already and would move to the team most likely to win me a ring regardless of the salary

NFL players do not think that way. Or should I say their agents don`t think that way. Or both.

 

[pinkstapler]

A zillion dollars. For me personally, $X + a Super Bowl ring would be worth more than $Y, where X and Y are both many millions of dollars.

I also choose this option fully acknowledging I might sing a different tune once millions of dollars of no longer life changing money to me. From where I sit though, there is little difference between 40 million rich and 50 million rich, especially knowing and seeing IRL how sums of money that large just generate more money exponentially via smart investment. Unless you really need a mega mansion, you're already at generational wealth with that kind of bank account/portfolio.

 

[Bri]

idk the tax rate in the states of cities he plans to go to but it's been a big conversation amongst NFL players.
I know Pittsburgh has a jock tax which is expected to be shot down by their Supreme Court and that's for visiting athletes

Here's an example of taxes and athletes-

How Much Do These 30 Star Athletes Pay in Taxes?

Certainly their fair share.

www.gobankingrates.com

I figure Aiyuk is asking "what would I truly take home"

 

[Snotbubbles]

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.

The NFL means not for long. The 49ers have a ton of contracts to renegotiate in the next couple of years. 2 years into your contract the SB contending 49ers team might look radically different.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I’m disappointed there isn’t a “he should stay in SF for $26M a year as it’s his best chance to win a SB” option.

To me that is the correct answer.

Best chance to win a SB would be the correct answer to many fans but obviously BA is after $$$ and I think his preference would be PIT because of Tomlinson over other destinations.
Stefanski is a two-time NFL coach of the year and runs an offense similar to Kyle Shanahan but many black players would love to play for Tomlinson and you can't blame them.

 

[jm192]

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.

 

[thecatch]

Different for each place.

Pit - good culture, fields or Russ are competent (one should be at least), $1 million more because I put some value on a better chance for a Super Bowl.

NE - $2 million. Maye could be great, things are changing but I’m not embarrassed to be a Patriot.

CLE - $5 million. Good coaching staff but I want nothing to do with Watson.

I think the odds either Fields or Russ are competent are extremely low and that'd definitely factor in for me if I were Aiyuk.

 

[-OZ-]

Different for each place.

Pit - good culture, fields or Russ are competent (one should be at least), $1 million more because I put some value on a better chance for a Super Bowl.

NE - $2 million. Maye could be great, things are changing but I’m not embarrassed to be a Patriot.

CLE - $5 million. Good coaching staff but I want nothing to do with Watson.

I think the odds either Fields or Russ are competent are extremely low and that'd definitely factor in for me if I were Aiyuk.

agree to disagree.
I do agree that it’s a factor.

 

[Joe Bryant]

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.

Yes. I see this in all walks of life, not just NFL star WRs making a zillion dollars.

Money is great. No doubt. But it's not everything. For a WR, that might mean picking what team and offensive system you go with.

For one of us, that might mean taking a job that pays less but you enjoy way more.

It's a sliding scale with a few different things on the scale.

In general, I always tell people to strongly go toward the job that you're happier with.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

In general, I always tell people to strongly go toward the job that you're happier with.

In that case it seems like Aiyuk should move on, he does not seem happy with his current job.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

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.

Honestly it would come down to how much of the money is guaranteed. 26 million a year for 4 years from san fran with half guaranteed and that same contract from another team where a larger amount is guaranteed makes it a no brainer to take the second option.

The bolded part is silly to me, if I'm Aiyuk I take less money and accept a trade to the Raiders because they're my favorite team. It's like starting a poll in the FFA and asking what would I do if I was Joe Bryant in regards to what fly's on the board

 

[Joe Bryant]

The bolded part is silly to me, if I'm Aiyuk I take less money and accept a trade to the Raiders because they're my favorite team.

No worries as we can disagree there. I don't think it's silly to ask what we might do in a situation like that. With everyone speculating what Aiyuk might do, we're all guessing. I thought it might be an interesting topic to talk about what we might do. And yes, maybe this is better for the FFA but thought it was interesting.

 

[Joe Bryant]

In general, I always tell people to strongly go toward the job that you're happier with.

In that case it seems like Aiyuk should move on, he does not seem happy with his current job.

That's a fair point too.

There's obviously tons of stuff we don't know.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

The bolded part is silly to me, if I'm Aiyuk I take less money and accept a trade to the Raiders because they're my favorite team.

No worries as we can disagree there. I don't think it's silly to ask what we might do in a situation like that. With everyone speculating what Aiyuk might do, we're all guessing. I thought it might be an interesting topic to talk about what we might do. And yes, maybe this is better for the FFA but thought it was interesting.

I guess but to think of it from the perspective of a player that played 2 years of Junior college, 2 years at ASU to get himself into the NFL plus all the other off field work vs the perspective of a fan who hasn't had to do any hard work and looks at it soley from the perspective of money and rings.

 

[Da Guru]

Ask Devonte Adams. Does he look happy on the field now?

 

[Grahamburn]

If I was Aiyuk, I would have all the money I could ever need already and would move to the team most likely to win me a ring regardless of the salary

NFL players do not think that way. Or should I say their agents don`t think that way. Or both.

Some of them do.

 

[Grahamburn]

Smelling like an 8 win season in SF. Lot of issues.

 

[nittanylion]

I'm not a 9'ers fan, per se, but I admire and respect their Team as what I feel is the best Team in the NFL at this time.

Any issues they're facing (and I can only think of two), appear to me to be minor, at best.

To the best of my knowledge, Trent Williams is simply exercising his unwritten right as an established tenured veteran who's regarded as one of the best at his position in the entire League, to skip training camp, because at the end of the day, he really doesn't need to be there. Lynch and Co. will get his financial business worked out, and that situation will be just fine. Doesn't even register on the radar.

Brandon Aiyuk and his representation have a very high opinion of him, and, IMHO, a lack of self-awareness. IMHO, he is the least important, and most easily replaced skill position Player in that offense.

Purdy: Playing on a Mr. Irrelevant Rookie Contract, running the offense like a seasoned vet, exactly the way offensive mastermind Kyle wants it run.
CMC: bona-fide unicorn, straw that stirs the drink, with a minor tweak that will amount to nothing by the time they host the Jets Monday, September 9th 8:20pm ET.
Deebo and Kittle: they may not be unicorns, but they're close. Like CMC, Swiss Army Knife types with unique skill sets that set them apart from their positional peers.

This offense is predicted on CMC/Deebo/Kittle basically putting 3 Queens on the chess board at the same time. Aiyuk, while certainly being a very good WR at the least, is the most 'conventional' player of the group. I have no doubt a mastermind of Kyle Shanahan's caliber, if he has peak CMC/Deebo/Kittle at his disposal, can more than get by with Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall or a number of 'X' WR who will become available shortly, to generate that offense without missing a beat.

The 9'ers don't have to do anything they don't want to do about Aiyuk, and they shouldn't...and they'll be just fine.

Even without him, this is still a strong, balanced Team capable of going 13-4, attaining the #1 NFC Seed, and the odds-on favorite to rep the NFC in the Super Bowl and likely win it.

You do you, Aiyuk.

 

[titusbramble]

Even without him, this is still a strong, balanced Team capable of going 13-4, attaining the #1 NFC Seed, and the odds-on favorite to rep the NFC in the Super Bowl and likely win it

That term odds on doesn't mean what you think it means

 

[habsfan]

Another factor is spouses / family. For some athletes, the inside of one stadium / hockey rink etc looks like any other. The family probably feels their location more than they do.

 

[osubuckeyeman]

Seems it would take more than what he got in San Fran.

Have to wonder what he thinks he'll get on the open market. Maybe the Browns will come calling.

 

[Lansdowne]

Seems it would take more than what he got in San Fran.

Have to wonder what he thinks he'll get on the open market. Maybe the Browns will come calling.

When Aiyuk agreed to the deal to stay, I thought that meant things had been mended between him and the organization. I don’t blame someone for staying where they’re comfortable. Clearly we now see that wasn’t the case, and Aiyuk is a fool for his choice. He had a chance to get paid well and get a fresh start elsewhere. He apparently wanted to play for Tomlin in Pittsburgh, that would’ve been a win for him and for the 49ers getting draft pick compensation in return. Both parties would turn the page. Instead both are left with regret. I won’t absolve the 49ers of blame here either, since they have a habit of dragging out these contract disputes long to the point of contention with the players. Best not to drag stuff into training camp when avoidable. The moment it was clear Aiyuk was holding out for a new contract, they either needed to pay up or move him sooner. Drafting Pearsall in the first round felt like a leverage move. At least now they have a WR to replace Aiyuk for the long run.

 

[rockaction]

Looking at nittanylion's comment above just gets me thinking about we don't know about what is going on behind the scenes and within organizations because the 49ers absolutely took their parting gifts and went the heck home about seven games into 2024. They just done quit. They're so hurt every year and every year we're supposed to feel for Kyle Shanahan and how unlucky his team with its injuries until you realize the plays he calls, the situations he puts his players in, and the volume he gives them might be part in parcel to the injury rates, which are astoundingly high and a few standard deviations away from the mean pretty consistently when Aaron Schatz measures man games lost due to injury. Coach, how you gonna flog McCaffrey like that? Nothing is guaranteed, so get your food before it's gone, but don't piss on that same food and wonder why it's toxic after!

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

My biggest worry is that he's "done" (and he knows it!) and is just trying get as much/more money as he can before teams realize he's not the player he once was.

 

[dblock05]

My biggest worry is that he's "done" (and he knows it!) and is just trying get as much/more money as he can before teams realize he's not the player he once was.

Im not sure about that, he just lost 26M for next year.

 

[The Frankman]

The Athletic’s Mike Silver and Dianna Russini report that the 49ers voided WR Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 contract guarantees and “appear headed toward a stunning divorce.”

According to sources, it is likely that Aiyuk “has played his last game with the franchise,” though “some in the organization are holding out hope.” Aiyuk has reportedly “failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities.” Frustrated by Aiyuk’s lack of communication, the 49ers responded by voiding his 2026 guarantees, “asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.” Aiyuk reportedly told NFLPA reps “that he did not want to fight the move via an official grievance,” which “would clear the way for his expected release at season’s end.” The move allows the 49ers to recoup a significant sum. Aiyuk’s 2026 option bonus would have paid out $24.935 million. Silver and Russini’s report details unresolved issues between Aiyuk and the 49ers’ brass, dating back to the 2023 season. The star wide receiver was very nearly traded to the Steelers in August 2024, but ultimately agreed to sign the 49ers’ standing offer. The deal, unfortunately, failed to mend the damaged relationships. While Aiyuk would surely draw interest as a free agent, unknowns remain regarding Aiyuk’s health. The veteran wide receiver has not played since tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus in October 2024.
Source - The Athletic

 

[Soulfly3]

teams will certainly be lining up for him! :eyeroll:

 

[thecatch]

My biggest worry is that he's "done" (and he knows it!) and is just trying get as much/more money as he can before teams realize he's not the player he once was.

Im not sure about that, he just lost 26M for next year.

Yep, his actions show he's 100% not concerned with just getting as much cash as he can.

 

[thecatch]

Different for each place.

Pit - good culture, fields or Russ are competent (one should be at least), $1 million more because I put some value on a better chance for a Super Bowl.

NE - $2 million. Maye could be great, things are changing but I’m not embarrassed to be a Patriot.

CLE - $5 million. Good coaching staff but I want nothing to do with Watson.

I think the odds either Fields or Russ are competent are extremely low and that'd definitely factor in for me if I were Aiyuk.

agree to disagree.
I do agree that it’s a factor.

This part of his decision making held up I guess.

 

[Terpman22]

Unserious player
Unserious organization

 

[Max55]

Looks like he is following the path of some other diva/non-team 1st WRs who sabotaged their own careers and maximizing their earnings.

Dionte Johnson
Antonio Brown
Martavis Bryant

Yes, I may be partial to Steelers….

 

[-OZ-]

Different for each place.

Pit - good culture, fields or Russ are competent (one should be at least), $1 million more because I put some value on a better chance for a Super Bowl.

NE - $2 million. Maye could be great, things are changing but I’m not embarrassed to be a Patriot.

CLE - $5 million. Good coaching staff but I want nothing to do with Watson.

I think the odds either Fields or Russ are competent are extremely low and that'd definitely factor in for me if I were Aiyuk.

agree to disagree.
I do agree that it’s a factor.

This part of his decision making held up I guess.

I had to look back at what we were talking about. I think my logic was decent but at the time Vrabel wasn’t in NE so that would change things now.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

How to blow a multimillion dollar career in a few easy steps…

 

[King of the Jungle]

Super curious to know what we do not know about this, one of the stranger things I have ever heard of regarding contracts.

 

[NinerGang]

Good riddance to bad rubbish, mental illness is a degenerative disease

 

[menobrown]

He's going to lose some money over this but unless he's playing for free or not playing he did not just lose $26-27m.

Also, if he signs a one year prove it deal, he in theory can make up for some of that lost income if he bounces back as being an UFA at 29 years old in 2027, if he's back to himself, would put him in a better spot with the way WR pay is increasing vs if he was sitting on that SF contract in the 2027 season and not able to re-enter FA for a few more seasons.

In the end, IF he's back to himself, he'll likely end up losing little to nothing. It's why I believe he's not appealing or fighting SF voiding his guarantees.

 

[msudaisy26]

Money isn't everything. If I make 100k a year and I hate my job, and it affects my life outside of work, but I could make 80k and like my situation more I would it. Especially in athletes cases where the 20 to 40 percent difference in salary doesn’t change my life style and playing football takes years off your life.

 

[thecatch]

He's going to lose some money over this but unless he's playing for free or not playing he did not just lose $26-27m.

Also, if he signs a one year prove it deal, he in theory can make up for some of that lost income if he bounces back as being an UFA at 29 years old in 2027, if he's back to himself, would put him in a better spot with the way WR pay is increasing vs if he was sitting on that SF contract in the 2027 season and not able to re-enter FA for a few more seasons.

In the end, IF he's back to himself, he'll likely end up losing little to nothing. It's why I believe he's not appealing or fighting SF voiding his guarantees.

I'd be willing to bet a significant sum that the aggregate of his next couple deals will not come close to matching what he was scheduled to earn in SF over the same period.

 

[menobrown]

He's going to lose some money over this but unless he's playing for free or not playing he did not just lose $26-27m.

Also, if he signs a one year prove it deal, he in theory can make up for some of that lost income if he bounces back as being an UFA at 29 years old in 2027, if he's back to himself, would put him in a better spot with the way WR pay is increasing vs if he was sitting on that SF contract in the 2027 season and not able to re-enter FA for a few more seasons.

In the end, IF he's back to himself, he'll likely end up losing little to nothing. It's why I believe he's not appealing or fighting SF voiding his guarantees.

I'd be willing to bet a significant sum that the aggregate of his next couple deals will not come close to matching what he was scheduled to earn in SF over the same period.

Not really relevant to any pay past 2026 because if can't return to form he was not going to see that money on his SF contract anyway. No matter how sunny his disposition might be.

And if he's back to form I'd bet against you.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

My biggest worry is that he's "done" (and he knows it!) and is just trying get as much/more money as he can before teams realize he's not the player he once was.

Im not sure about that, he just lost 26M for next year.

Yep, his actions show he's 100% not concerned with just getting as much cash as he can.

I mean probably. I'm not exactly known for my good takes. In my defense, I had thought he just wants out of SF so he can hit FA and POTENTIALLY get a bigger contract. $$$ is the simplier solution but it could just be that he's unhappy in SF or he's lost his damn mind.

 

[Dez]

9-2 NE what a terrible place that be right now.................

 

[menobrown]

So Kyle is saying they voided his guarantees back in July.

 

[wgoldsph]

Unserious player
Unserious organization

How is it unserious (not a word) for someone to literally cancel a 20m contract? Seems pretty damn serious to me

How to blow a multimillion dollar career in a few easy steps…

He's going to sign for multiple millions. Even if he never reaches the same heights, he'll make close to it with to vet contracts.

Good riddance to bad rubbish, mental illness is a degenerative disease

I try my best to follow the be cool rule, but you're an a-hole and should feel bad about yourself.

 

[Terpman22]

Unserious player
Unserious organization

How is it unserious (not a word) for someone to literally cancel a 20m contract? Seems pretty damn serious to me

How to blow a multimillion dollar career in a few easy steps…

He's going to sign for multiple millions. Even if he never reaches the same heights, he'll make close to it with to vet contracts.

Good riddance to bad rubbish, mental illness is a degenerative disease

I try my best to follow the be cool rule, but you're an a-hole and should feel bad about yourself.

49ers are definitely not “without blame” here.

They are not the Cowboys, but their negotiating style definitely seems to irk players.

*Now* they are realizing this guy is a bit of a head case?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Just a gentle reminder when we peel back the emotions...
Aiyuk has been paid close to $50M in '24/'25 combined, he's not being short changed in any way IMHO
He got almost $25M when he signed the new deal and he got another $25M for 2025 so he hasn't lost any real money yet

Team wants to free him from the organization and sounds like he wants something similar
I just didn't know you could remove guaranteed salary, the first time I heard it was Christian Wilkins with the Raiders earlier this year

I bring the money up so nobody thinks the Niners are doing something dirty, I don't feel that way at all, they're looking out for the team, the fans, etc...

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

So Kyle is saying they voided his guarantees back in July.

So they voided them before BA missed the meetings and started sitting out team events, right? I'd be pretty pissed too