WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF (3 Viewers)

[Snotbubbles]

If SF ultimately balks at extending him, I think he may actually be better off from a FF standpoint in WAS with Daniels. As long is Daniels is capable he would most likely see an increase in targets and treated as a focal point in the offense. PIT with Arthur Smith would be a career killer statistically.

I dont know that I'd go THAT far.

while I like the talent of Daniels, I am not a big believer in the organization as a whole. if Daniels succeeds its despite the organization and their lack of competence. I feel that if anybody can ruin this talented young man's career it will be Washington.

the other issue is what does Washington have that they could give to San Fran in a trade? San Fran wants to win now. I dont think they'd be ok with draft picks.

This is a good point. McLaurin and picks for Aiyuk? I could see SF taking something like that if things get toxic beyond repair…

How about Vegas?

Aiyuk for Adams and a 2nd rounder? SF stays in the win now window, Raiders get younger. Raiders have a good amount of cap space for a long term deal. Adams gets to stay on the west coast. Adams could fit in real quick as LaFleur in GB ran a Shanahan style offense.

Aiyuk would be the centerpiece of the offense in Vegas (so it could be good for his numbers) we saw what Minshew did for Pittman, who is a lot less talented than Aiyuk.

ETA: Raiders HC Antonio Pierce was at Arizona St when Aiyuk was as well.

SF might as well just pay Aiyuk. Adams cap hit in 2025 and 2026 if they kept him is $44M each year.

They could have Aiyuk for cheaper than $44M cap hit in 25 and 26.

McLaurin is $24M this year and $25M next year. If you're trying to get a comp WR back, you might as well just bite the bullet and pay the guy you know fits the system.

 

[Snotbubbles]

If SF ultimately balks at extending him, I think he may actually be better off from a FF standpoint in WAS with Daniels. As long is Daniels is capable he would most likely see an increase in targets and treated as a focal point in the offense. PIT with Arthur Smith would be a career killer statistically.

I dont know that I'd go THAT far.

while I like the talent of Daniels, I am not a big believer in the organization as a whole. if Daniels succeeds its despite the organization and their lack of competence. I feel that if anybody can ruin this talented young man's career it will be Washington.

the other issue is what does Washington have that they could give to San Fran in a trade? San Fran wants to win now. I dont think they'd be ok with draft picks.

This is a good point. McLaurin and picks for Aiyuk? I could see SF taking something like that if things get toxic beyond repair…

Recent history suggests a WR trade would be for draft compensation, and not include players. I think the 49ers missed their trade window if they were looking for help for this season.

This new regime is not married to anyone besides who they drafted. I agree with the history, but if they have a chance to get a younger weapon for their new QB (whom he has some familiarity with) it may be a consideration. A long shot, but not an insane option.

It's a great move for WAS, why would SF do it? As I posted above, McLaurin's cap hits are $24M and $25M. You can have Aiyuk for those cap hit numbers.

 

[menobrown]

He has zero leverage.

No not really any at all. You can be unhappy, sulk, hold-in during a lot of camp. That's really all you got to play your hand and it's not much.

Since the new CBA guidelines to basically eliminate holdouts went into place the only player to miss a game, which was a game, was Chris Jones. Not sure that worked out for him, he got some incentives added but they did not waive his fines because you can't.

Holdouts are pretty close to a thing of the past.

You can tweak something in your ankle on the first play and need to rest.

And when he’s an UFA other teams can remember he quit on his team

There is no evidence for this.

Username checks out

 

[ffmail4me]

If SF ultimately balks at extending him, I think he may actually be better off from a FF standpoint in WAS with Daniels. As long is Daniels is capable he would most likely see an increase in targets and treated as a focal point in the offense. PIT with Arthur Smith would be a career killer statistically.

I dont know that I'd go THAT far.

while I like the talent of Daniels, I am not a big believer in the organization as a whole. if Daniels succeeds its despite the organization and their lack of competence. I feel that if anybody can ruin this talented young man's career it will be Washington.

the other issue is what does Washington have that they could give to San Fran in a trade? San Fran wants to win now. I dont think they'd be ok with draft picks.

This is a good point. McLaurin and picks for Aiyuk? I could see SF taking something like that if things get toxic beyond repair…

No way Washington trades Terry. He's the face of the franchise and community. They LOVE him on and off the field. I literally think there is 0.0005 percent chance they trade away Terry.

 

[King of the Jungle]

If SF ultimately balks at extending him, I think he may actually be better off from a FF standpoint in WAS with Daniels. As long is Daniels is capable he would most likely see an increase in targets and treated as a focal point in the offense. PIT with Arthur Smith would be a career killer statistically.

I dont know that I'd go THAT far.

while I like the talent of Daniels, I am not a big believer in the organization as a whole. if Daniels succeeds its despite the organization and their lack of competence. I feel that if anybody can ruin this talented young man's career it will be Washington.

the other issue is what does Washington have that they could give to San Fran in a trade? San Fran wants to win now. I dont think they'd be ok with draft picks.

This is a good point. McLaurin and picks for Aiyuk? I could see SF taking something like that if things get toxic beyond repair…

No way Washington trades Terry. He's the face of the franchise and community. They LOVE him on and off the field. I literally think there is 0.0005 percent chance they trade away Terry.

That’s fair, I do not follow that football team closely.

 

[travdogg]

If SF ultimately balks at extending him, I think he may actually be better off from a FF standpoint in WAS with Daniels. As long is Daniels is capable he would most likely see an increase in targets and treated as a focal point in the offense. PIT with Arthur Smith would be a career killer statistically.

I dont know that I'd go THAT far.

while I like the talent of Daniels, I am not a big believer in the organization as a whole. if Daniels succeeds its despite the organization and their lack of competence. I feel that if anybody can ruin this talented young man's career it will be Washington.

the other issue is what does Washington have that they could give to San Fran in a trade? San Fran wants to win now. I dont think they'd be ok with draft picks.

This is a good point. McLaurin and picks for Aiyuk? I could see SF taking something like that if things get toxic beyond repair…

How about Vegas?

Aiyuk for Adams and a 2nd rounder? SF stays in the win now window, Raiders get younger. Raiders have a good amount of cap space for a long term deal. Adams gets to stay on the west coast. Adams could fit in real quick as LaFleur in GB ran a Shanahan style offense.

Aiyuk would be the centerpiece of the offense in Vegas (so it could be good for his numbers) we saw what Minshew did for Pittman, who is a lot less talented than Aiyuk.

ETA: Raiders HC Antonio Pierce was at Arizona St when Aiyuk was as well.

SF might as well just pay Aiyuk. Adams cap hit in 2025 and 2026 if they kept him is $44M each year.

They could have Aiyuk for cheaper than $44M cap hit in 25 and 26.

Adams isn't getting that money, whether he is in SF or LV, or anywhere else. He's essentially in a contract year this year. But he seems like he's willing to take less to play for a contender (maybe shouldn't have left GB?) and if you can pick up a potential top-40 pick to make the swap, why not?

Just speculating obviously, not reporting, but the fits make a world of sense for both teams.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

stop working so hard, HSG

You have no idea.

Yesterday was a 14 hour day. It just so happened that 10 of it was on the laptop. I try to take breaks every hour or so. That's where FGB comes in handy.

 

[FarFromHome]

Get your money when u can kid. The moment in life when u won't be able to get your money happens quickly.

 

[rzrback77]

Get your money when u can kid. The moment in life when u won't be able to get your money happens quickly.

Are you talking about @Hot Sauce Guy or are you talking about Aiyuk?

 

[FarFromHome]

Get your money when u can kid. The moment in life when u won't be able to get your money happens quickly.

Are you talking about @Hot Sauce Guy or are you talking about Aiyuk?

Well played sir. Well played. Was more talking about any young athlete that has any amount of leverage. Get that dolla Aiyuk

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Get your money when u can kid. The moment in life when u won't be able to get your money happens quickly.

Are you talking about @Hot Sauce Guy or are you talking about Aiyuk?

Why not both? .gif

 

[Wingnut]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

It's their M.O. As a 49er fan I should be used to it but it drives me absolutely nuts that they always wait and do big deals so late. It's just irritating.

Dates they've singed big names the past few years:

Warner - July 21
Deebo - July 31
Kittle - Aug. 13
Bosa --Sept 6 (4 days before week 1)

 

[Bri]

I really would not assume they were even talking about football when he said "they don't want me back".

I think Aiyuk is trying to present it as such, just trying to instigate stuff to keep talks moving, not sure that's the case because of course they want him back and I'm sure he knows that.

They’re reportedly ~4M apart. Aiyuk’s team is demanding 30, 49ers want to pay 26.

It seems inevitable that they’ll meet in the middle. It’s just annoyingly slow.

Since it is after the free agency period we're amidst a fictitious next year free agency period. If the top WRs got 26 then Aiyuk's agent is saying next year the market would easily get us 30 per.
Normally this request dies down and they just get a topish contract like Saquan.
Everyone on TV and radio seemed obligated to bring up Patrick Mahomes and how much he makes versus peers and what he could make. Whenever this is the common talk it is definitely to the benefit of the free agent getting more $.
In theory, he really could be fine taking a hard stand at 30.

The 49ers have not handled this well even if we just talk how talk of him leaving has gone on since last year and his contract this year. It's July. They should have settled things by now.

It may be on purpose. They may want to draw a hard line and be totally fine with a holdout and even him missing a couple games. They're going to have to pay stars and setting a tone of "don't push it" here may be vital for them.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

The Titans are important here because their director of personnel left the Niners (last off-season) for the Titans GM job and two days after being hired they were talking of Aiyuk. That really makes ya hmmm what did he hear when he was at the Niners for that to be such a fast phone call? I think it snowballed from there with other teams seeing he may be available and Aiyuk's agent and him wondering and...it was just so fast. Reported two days after hiring- did it happen the day of hire or one day later?

 

[farfromforgotten]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

It's their M.O. As a 49er fan I should be used to it but it drives me absolutely nuts that they always wait and do big deals so late. It's just irritating.

Dates they've singed big names the past few years:

Warner - July 21
Deebo - July 31
Kittle - Aug. 13
Bosa --Sept 6 (4 days before week 1)

Heh. Yep. I haven’t felt a bit of anxiety about the situation since it began. Still believe Aiyuk will be a 49er this year and they’ll get a deal hashed out eventually.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, again, he's still under contract.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

 

[Snotbubbles]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

Different time, different player.

Also, Owens > Aiyuk

 

[Mistakes Were Made]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

It's not totally the same because it was a refusal to play under the franchise tag, but Le'veon Bell got a big contract after totally refusing to play for the entire season. I think Aiyuk plays. But he'd get paid even if he didn't.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

But he'd get paid even if he didn't

I thought under the current system he’d be fined weekly if he didn’t.

 

[Mistakes Were Made]

But he'd get paid even if he didn't

I thought under the current system he’d be fined weekly if he didn’t.

That was bad writing on my part. I meant that his next year's team would offer him a large contract, even if he sat out for some/part/all of this year. To put it another way, I don't think a hold out is likely to affect his next contract.

 

[menobrown]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

Different time, different player.

Also, Owens > Aiyuk

Also while he was extremely disruptive no one concluded he actually went so far as to fake an injury though some thought he did,. Andy Reid said has constantly said that was not the case. But he's probably the best example of someone being a total turd because he was unhappy, a disruptive force, and doing ok for himself when he hit FA.

But OK is a relative and it no doubt hurt his maximum earning ability.

He signed a 3/25 deal and only got $5m bonus and a $5m in year one .The cap was only 40% of what it it today but even if you prorated it to today's cap it would be the same as a $12m signing bonus with a $12m first year pay and nothing guaranteed past that year which is pretty far off on the guarantees and APY that Aiyuk is seeking. In other words Dallas signed him to deal they could get out of in a year because he was such a high risk player. That money is almost an exact math, if you prorated it to the current cap, of what Aiyuk would get if he's tagged next year and we all know he'd hate that.

I don't honestly know what to tell anyone who thinks that an NFL player actually faking an injury and quitting on his team would be severely impacted by this when he went looking for a contract paying him $28-30m with the upwards of $70M guaranteed.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

Different time, different player.

Also, Owens > Aiyuk

Also while he was extremely disruptive no one concluded he actually went so far as to fake an injury though some thought he did,. Andy Reid said has constantly said that was not the case. But he's probably the best example of someone being a total turd because he was unhappy, a disruptive force, and doing ok for himself when he hit FA.

But OK is a relative and it no doubt hurt his maximum earning ability.

He signed a 3/25 deal and only got $5m bonus and a $5m in year one .The cap was only 40% of what it it today but even if you prorated it to today's cap it would be the same as a $12m signing bonus with a $12m first year pay and nothing guaranteed past that year which is pretty far off on the guarantees and APY that Aiyuk is seeking. In other words Dallas signed him to deal they could get out of in a year because he was such a high risk player. That money is almost an exact math, if you prorated it to the current cap, of what Aiyuk would get if he's tagged next year and we all know he'd hate that.

I don't honestly know what to tell anyone who thinks that an NFL player actually faking an injury and quitting on his team would be severely impacted by this when he went looking for a contract paying him $28-30m with the upwards of $70M guaranteed.

Excellent points.

And at the time Owens was arguably the best WR in the NFL. At the time he went to Dallas, he was a 5 time pro-bowler, 4 time all-pro, and led the league in TDs twice. He was an 11 year veteran.

Aiyuk is good. He’s no Terrell Owens. He’s been in the league 4 years & his season high in receptions is 78. Season high in TDs was 8, something Aiyuk has done once. Owens had 8 or more in in 7 seasons prior to going to Dallas.

And as you suggested, his pay for the time was pretty middling? Considering. There’s no way the high risk nature of Owens antics didn’t impact the guaranteed $.

 

[Bri]

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

Different time, different player.

Also, Owens > Aiyuk

Also while he was extremely disruptive no one concluded he actually went so far as to fake an injury though some thought he did,. Andy Reid said has constantly said that was not the case. But he's probably the best example of someone being a total turd because he was unhappy, a disruptive force, and doing ok for himself when he hit FA.

But OK is a relative and it no doubt hurt his maximum earning ability.

He signed a 3/25 deal and only got $5m bonus and a $5m in year one .The cap was only 40% of what it it today but even if you prorated it to today's cap it would be the same as a $12m signing bonus with a $12m first year pay and nothing guaranteed past that year which is pretty far off on the guarantees and APY that Aiyuk is seeking. In other words Dallas signed him to deal they could get out of in a year because he was such a high risk player. That money is almost an exact math, if you prorated it to the current cap, of what Aiyuk would get if he's tagged next year and we all know he'd hate that.

I don't honestly know what to tell anyone who thinks that an NFL player actually faking an injury and quitting on his team would be severely impacted by this when he went looking for a contract paying him $28-30m with the upwards of $70M guaranteed.

There was a ton of injury talk (most ever?) when he played hoops and whether SF trainers worked him too hard to strain his back and force him not to play basketball.

I think the match was burnt on that topic by this point.

 

[Snotbubbles]

\

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

Different time, different player.

Also, Owens > Aiyuk

Also while he was extremely disruptive no one concluded he actually went so far as to fake an injury though some thought he did,. Andy Reid said has constantly said that was not the case. But he's probably the best example of someone being a total turd because he was unhappy, a disruptive force, and doing ok for himself when he hit FA.

But OK is a relative and it no doubt hurt his maximum earning ability.

He signed a 3/25 deal and only got $5m bonus and a $5m in year one .The cap was only 40% of what it it today but even if you prorated it to today's cap it would be the same as a $12m signing bonus with a $12m first year pay and nothing guaranteed past that year which is pretty far off on the guarantees and APY that Aiyuk is seeking. In other words Dallas signed him to deal they could get out of in a year because he was such a high risk player. That money is almost an exact math, if you prorated it to the current cap, of what Aiyuk would get if he's tagged next year and we all know he'd hate that.

I don't honestly know what to tell anyone who thinks that an NFL player actually faking an injury and quitting on his team would be severely impacted by this when he went looking for a contract paying him $28-30m with the upwards of $70M guaranteed.

Lamar Jackson did fine.

 

[cheese]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

 

[Big Nate]

If SF ultimately balks at extending him, I think he may actually be better off from a FF standpoint in WAS with Daniels. As long is Daniels is capable he would most likely see an increase in targets and treated as a focal point in the offense. PIT with Arthur Smith would be a career killer statistically.

I dont know that I'd go THAT far.

while I like the talent of Daniels, I am not a big believer in the organization as a whole. if Daniels succeeds its despite the organization and their lack of competence. I feel that if anybody can ruin this talented young man's career it will be Washington.

the other issue is what does Washington have that they could give to San Fran in a trade? San Fran wants to win now. I dont think they'd be ok with draft picks.

This is a good point. McLaurin and picks for Aiyuk? I could see SF taking something like that if things get toxic beyond repair…

How about Vegas?

Aiyuk for Adams and a 2nd rounder? SF stays in the win now window, Raiders get younger. Raiders have a good amount of cap space for a long term deal. Adams gets to stay on the west coast. Adams could fit in real quick as LaFleur in GB ran a Shanahan style offense.

Aiyuk would be the centerpiece of the offense in Vegas (so it could be good for his numbers) we saw what Minshew did for Pittman, who is a lot less talented than Aiyuk.

ETA: Raiders HC Antonio Pierce was at Arizona St when Aiyuk was as well.

SF might as well just pay Aiyuk. Adams cap hit in 2025 and 2026 if they kept him is $44M each year.

They could have Aiyuk for cheaper than $44M cap hit in 25 and 26.

Adams isn't getting that money, whether he is in SF or LV, or anywhere else. He's essentially in a contract year this year. But he seems like he's willing to take less to play for a contender (maybe shouldn't have left GB?) and if you can pick up a potential top-40 pick to make the swap, why not?

Just speculating obviously, not reporting, but the fits make a world of sense for both teams.

That is what the current contract is written for. So if they traded for Adams they are in a worst spot. Either eat the $44M cap for 2 years or have to renegotiate the contract with an old WR that wants top money. It makes zero sense for SF to acquire Adams when they could just pay to keep Aiyuk who fits their system perfectly.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

\

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

Different time, different player.

Also, Owens > Aiyuk

Also while he was extremely disruptive no one concluded he actually went so far as to fake an injury though some thought he did,. Andy Reid said has constantly said that was not the case. But he's probably the best example of someone being a total turd because he was unhappy, a disruptive force, and doing ok for himself when he hit FA.

But OK is a relative and it no doubt hurt his maximum earning ability.

He signed a 3/25 deal and only got $5m bonus and a $5m in year one .The cap was only 40% of what it it today but even if you prorated it to today's cap it would be the same as a $12m signing bonus with a $12m first year pay and nothing guaranteed past that year which is pretty far off on the guarantees and APY that Aiyuk is seeking. In other words Dallas signed him to deal they could get out of in a year because he was such a high risk player. That money is almost an exact math, if you prorated it to the current cap, of what Aiyuk would get if he's tagged next year and we all know he'd hate that.

I don't honestly know what to tell anyone who thinks that an NFL player actually faking an injury and quitting on his team would be severely impacted by this when he went looking for a contract paying him $28-30m with the upwards of $70M guaranteed.

Lamar Jackson did fine.

Lamar Jackson isn’t a WR.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

 

[Big Nate]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

I think it is how SF works. Grind them out and eventually give enough to make them happy. I bet they come to a deal as well. But why pay more if they can get a player for "cheaper". SF just seeing where the final line is and not wanting to pay more than they have to.

I'd be surprised if Aiyuk isn't signed long term.

 

[menobrown]

\

NFL contracts don't really mean anything. You can' stop him playing elsewhere, but you can't make him play hard for you. Tomlin is right on this. You need volunteers not hostages.

This is really a pretty difficult situation. They should have taken all of the confirmed offers from the Titans and other teams. It was a strong WR draft and this could have been smooth.

He's under contract, they're in a super bowl window, and Aiyuk is arguably their best receiver - not to mention a willing blocker.

Seems highly unlikely that they could have drafted a replacement capable of bringing what Aiyuk brings to the table. And most importantly, he's still under contract.

You’ve tried this in here already, and @menobrown effectively shut down this absurd line of reasoning.

The only person Aiyuk hurts with a malcontent move (fake injury, refusal to play) is himself.

He poisons the well of future team interest, because other teams would know he’d pull this same lame stunt with them.

Give me an example of this ever happening

I remember when Terrell Owens signed a 7/$49M contract and got pissed at the Eagles for not renegotiating his contract after the SB. He totally railroaded the Eagles 2005 season, beginning at training camp, with them eventually suspending him and then inactivating him, then releasing him. It didn't hurt him one bit, as he signed a 3/$27M contract with Dallas.

Different time, different player.

Also, Owens > Aiyuk

Also while he was extremely disruptive no one concluded he actually went so far as to fake an injury though some thought he did,. Andy Reid said has constantly said that was not the case. But he's probably the best example of someone being a total turd because he was unhappy, a disruptive force, and doing ok for himself when he hit FA.

But OK is a relative and it no doubt hurt his maximum earning ability.

He signed a 3/25 deal and only got $5m bonus and a $5m in year one .The cap was only 40% of what it it today but even if you prorated it to today's cap it would be the same as a $12m signing bonus with a $12m first year pay and nothing guaranteed past that year which is pretty far off on the guarantees and APY that Aiyuk is seeking. In other words Dallas signed him to deal they could get out of in a year because he was such a high risk player. That money is almost an exact math, if you prorated it to the current cap, of what Aiyuk would get if he's tagged next year and we all know he'd hate that.

I don't honestly know what to tell anyone who thinks that an NFL player actually faking an injury and quitting on his team would be severely impacted by this when he went looking for a contract paying him $28-30m with the upwards of $70M guaranteed.

Lamar Jackson did fine.

I don’t get what Lamar has to do with this convo?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

I think it is how SF works. Grind them out and eventually give enough to make them happy. I bet they come to a deal as well. But why pay more if they can get a player for "cheaper". SF just seeing where the final line is and not wanting to pay more than they have to.

I'd be surprised if Aiyuk isn't signed long term.

Not to mention that same long game virtually eliminates the possibility of a trade since every other team has their cap sorted by then.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I don’t get what Lamar has to do with this convo?

A helpful example of false equivalence?

 

[Snotbubbles]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

The problem is, they're running out of wiggle room going forward.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

The problem is, they're running out of wiggle room going forward.

What room go they need to wiggle? He’s under contract.

 

[Terpman22]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

The problem is, they're running out of wiggle room going forward.

What room go they need to wiggle? He’s under contract.

They got some pretty big cap numbers on the horizon coming to fruition + the Purdy contract. I'm sure they can renegotiate/restructure/roll over cap, but as of today, these cap #s for 2025 look...big

Trent Williams: 34.1
Deebo: 24.2
Bosa: 20.5
Warner: 29.1
Kittle: 22
Hargrave: 28.1

Edit: Only Bosa has *any* guaranteed money for 2025, so theoretically, they could move on from most of these guys via cuts without having huge salary cap ramifications.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

The problem is, they're running out of wiggle room going forward.

What room go they need to wiggle? He’s under contract.

They got some pretty big cap numbers on the horizon coming to fruition + the Purdy contract. I'm sure they can renegotiate/restructure/roll over cap, but as of today, these cap #s for 2025 look...big

Trent Williams: 34.1
Deebo: 24.2
Bosa: 20.5
Warner: 29.1
Kittle: 22
Hargrave: 28.1

Edit: Only Bosa has *any* guaranteed money for 2025, so theoretically, they could move on from most of these guys via cuts without having huge salary cap ramifications.

Again, that’s next year.

Why would they possibly move off of Aiyuk this year?

 

[Terpman22]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

The problem is, they're running out of wiggle room going forward.

What room go they need to wiggle? He’s under contract.

They got some pretty big cap numbers on the horizon coming to fruition + the Purdy contract. I'm sure they can renegotiate/restructure/roll over cap, but as of today, these cap #s for 2025 look...big

Trent Williams: 34.1
Deebo: 24.2
Bosa: 20.5
Warner: 29.1
Kittle: 22
Hargrave: 28.1

Edit: Only Bosa has *any* guaranteed money for 2025, so theoretically, they could move on from most of these guys via cuts without having huge salary cap ramifications.

Again, that’s next year.

Why would they possibly move off of Aiyuk this year?

I dunno, I've seen crazier stuff, but I guess my short answer is "There is a point where a player gets so toxic, its addition by subtraction"

We have seen this time and again, especially at the WR position - from TO in Philly, where they didn't really get another real WR until half a decade + later, to Amari Cooper in Dallas, where they have been trying to match a true WR2 with CD ever since they traded Cooper, to Buffalo, who just ate a big chunk of money to NOT have Diggs on their roster this year and are going with a "Who is that" look at WR this year. Anything can happen...

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I don't understand the 49ers strategy here. The market at WR is set. They're not getting a discount.

I think the Niners strategy is the same as the Bengals with Higgins. Get short term production from a good player while the team is trying to win. Let him walk eventually.

Even if you have zero interest in signing him long term for full value or a discount, he might be worth more the next year or 2 to the niners than any potential compensation.

I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them work out a deal with Aiyuk in late July/early August.

It’s not ideal, but they’ve been doing it this way for years, and NFL talking heads always report on it breathlessly as though it’s breaking news.

You’d think after the last ~5 times they’d be used to it, or maybe at the least mention the same thing happened with Deebo, Kittle, Williams, Warner, etc, etc

I’m chalking it up to a slow news period.

The problem is, they're running out of wiggle room going forward.

What room go they need to wiggle? He’s under contract.

They got some pretty big cap numbers on the horizon coming to fruition + the Purdy contract. I'm sure they can renegotiate/restructure/roll over cap, but as of today, these cap #s for 2025 look...big

Trent Williams: 34.1
Deebo: 24.2
Bosa: 20.5
Warner: 29.1
Kittle: 22
Hargrave: 28.1

Edit: Only Bosa has *any* guaranteed money for 2025, so theoretically, they could move on from most of these guys via cuts without having huge salary cap ramifications.

Again, that’s next year.

Why would they possibly move off of Aiyuk this year?

I dunno, I've seen crazier stuff, but I guess my short answer is "There is a point where a player gets so toxic, its addition by subtraction"

We have seen this time and again, especially at the WR position - from TO in Philly, where they didn't really get another real WR until half a decade + later, to Amari Cooper in Dallas, where they have been trying to match a true WR2 with CD ever since they traded Cooper, to Buffalo, who just ate a big chunk of money to NOT have Diggs on their roster this year and are going with a "Who is that" look at WR this year. Anything can happen...

Considering he’s an integral part of their rushing scheme with his blocking, and their best pure route runner at the receiver position, I’d put the chance of the 49ers having this mindset around zero.

 

[H8fulHuck]

I don’t get what Lamar has to do with this convo?

A helpful example of false equivalence?

Elementary. Lamar was smart and paved the way for other elite players. If Lamar played and got injured, he wouldn't get paid the big long term contract.
Similarly, SF making a business decision to pay Aiyuk far less than he's worth, Aiyuk could make the same business decision to finish 2024. His position next offseason will be much stronger finishing the season healthy.

 

[menobrown]

I don’t get what Lamar has to do with this convo?

A helpful example of false equivalence?

Elementary. Lamar was smart and paved the way for other elite players. If Lamar played and got injured, he wouldn't get paid the big long term contract.
Similarly, SF making a business decision to pay Aiyuk far less than he's worth, Aiyuk could make the same business decision to finish 2024. His position next offseason will be much stronger finishing the season healthy.

Except Lamar played all the way up until he legitimately got hurt so again I don't at all understand why he's been brought up in the context of a player faking an injury to sit out.

 

[Tau837]

If SF ultimately balks at extending him, I think he may actually be better off from a FF standpoint in WAS with Daniels. As long is Daniels is capable he would most likely see an increase in targets and treated as a focal point in the offense. PIT with Arthur Smith would be a career killer statistically.

I dont know that I'd go THAT far.

while I like the talent of Daniels, I am not a big believer in the organization as a whole. if Daniels succeeds its despite the organization and their lack of competence. I feel that if anybody can ruin this talented young man's career it will be Washington.

the other issue is what does Washington have that they could give to San Fran in a trade? San Fran wants to win now. I dont think they'd be ok with draft picks.

This is a good point. McLaurin and picks for Aiyuk? I could see SF taking something like that if things get toxic beyond repair…

How about Vegas?

Aiyuk for Adams and a 2nd rounder? SF stays in the win now window, Raiders get younger. Raiders have a good amount of cap space for a long term deal. Adams gets to stay on the west coast. Adams could fit in real quick as LaFleur in GB ran a Shanahan style offense.

Aiyuk would be the centerpiece of the offense in Vegas (so it could be good for his numbers) we saw what Minshew did for Pittman, who is a lot less talented than Aiyuk.

ETA: Raiders HC Antonio Pierce was at Arizona St when Aiyuk was as well.

SF might as well just pay Aiyuk. Adams cap hit in 2025 and 2026 if they kept him is $44M each year.

They could have Aiyuk for cheaper than $44M cap hit in 25 and 26.

Adams isn't getting that money, whether he is in SF or LV, or anywhere else. He's essentially in a contract year this year. But he seems like he's willing to take less to play for a contender (maybe shouldn't have left GB?) and if you can pick up a potential top-40 pick to make the swap, why not?

Just speculating obviously, not reporting, but the fits make a world of sense for both teams.

That is what the current contract is written for. So if they traded for Adams they are in a worst spot. Either eat the $44M cap for 2 years or have to renegotiate the contract with an old WR that wants top money. It makes zero sense for SF to acquire Adams when they could just pay to keep Aiyuk who fits their system perfectly.

FWIW if a team trades for Adams, his cap hits for the new team are $36.25M per year in 2024 and 2025, not $44M. Furthermore, the new team could restructure his contract and convert salary to bonus, potentially adding void years, to significantly lower the 2024 cap and potentially 2025 as well. They could also sign him to an extension to reduce the 2024-2025 cap.

Not saying any of that is advisable for the 49ers, just saying that you are somewhat misrepresenting the situation.

 

[travdogg]

Another problem Aiyuk has when it comes to getting an extension, is that he's the most replaceable of the 49ers weapons. CMC and Kittle (arguably) are the best guys in the NFL at their positions. Deebo is a 1 of 1 weapon. Aiyuk (while a better man coverage beater and route runner than Deebo) is just a very good traditional WR. His advantage is being the youngest of the group, but I'd very much argue he's also the least talented of the group. That's not an insult by any means, but I feel like if I were ranking importance to the offense, its:

1. CMC
2. Kittle
3. Deebo
4. Aiyuk

As an aside, sometimes I think Deebo Samuel is vastly underrated. There's literally not another player in the NFL who can do what he does. Hell, I truly think if Deebo were to commit to being a full-time RB, he'd be a top-5 guy. I think the guff Deebo gets for not having a good game in the Super Bowl is unwarranted, and more about Trent McDuffie being awesome then Deebo coming up short. I thought the 49ers biggest offensive issue in that game (and in most losses) is underusing George Kittle.

ETA: Ideally, they keep Aiyuk and Deebo together long-term. Nobody in the NFL has better offensive weapons, and they've been in the final 4 in all but 1 of the last 5 seasons and were only a couple plays away from potentially multiple Championships. They've just had some bad breaks between CMC's fumble, Greenlaw's fluke injury, Tartt dropping an INT that gets caught 99% of the time, Jimmy G missing a wide-open TD to Sanders, Purdy getting hurt early in the NFC Title game, but this core is good enough to win a title in my opinion, they just haven't yet, and I'd argue they are the favorites this season.

 

[Jail]

I don’t get what Lamar has to do with this convo?

A helpful example of false equivalence?

Elementary. Lamar was smart and paved the way for other elite players. If Lamar played and got injured, he wouldn't get paid the big long term contract.
Similarly, SF making a business decision to pay Aiyuk far less than he's worth, Aiyuk could make the same business decision to finish 2024. His position next offseason will be much stronger finishing the season healthy.

Except Lamar played all the way up until he legitimately got hurt so again I don't at all understand why he's been brought up in the context of a player faking an injury to sit out.

I think what he's getting at is speculation that he could have come back to play if he had his contract. Lots of rumors that he didn't want to risk injury without the contract.

But the truth is we can't really know if this has happened because a player wouldn't come out and say it.

Last year Jonathan Taylor was placed on PUP with rumors that it was only because of the contract. Then he signs and is good to go. IMO it was clearly contract related, but we don't know. Ultimately the desire to win didn't scare off Indy.

Leveon Bell sat out a whole year, but still got paid.

The truth is there is likely no example of an elite player in his prime getting blackballed after a contract dispute. Because it almost certainly has never happened.

As long as Aiyuk is healthy next year he will get paid.

 

[Ray_T]

Another problem Aiyuk has when it comes to getting an extension, is that he's the most replaceable of the 49ers weapons. CMC and Kittle (arguably) are the best guys in the NFL at their positions. Deebo is a 1 of 1 weapon. Aiyuk (while a better man coverage beater and route runner than Deebo) is just a very good traditional WR. His advantage is being the youngest of the group, but I'd very much argue he's also the least talented of the group. That's not an insult by any means, but I feel like if I were ranking importance to the offense, its:

1. CMC
2. Kittle
3. Deebo
4. Aiyuk

As an aside, sometimes I think Deebo Samuel is vastly underrated. There's literally not another player in the NFL who can do what he does. Hell, I truly think if Deebo were to commit to being a full-time RB, he'd be a top-5 guy. I think the guff Deebo gets for not having a good game in the Super Bowl is unwarranted, and more about Trent McDuffie being awesome then Deebo coming up short. I thought the 49ers biggest offensive issue in that game (and in most losses) is underusing George Kittle.

ETA: Ideally, they keep Aiyuk and Deebo together long-term. Nobody in the NFL has better offensive weapons, and they've been in the final 4 in all but 1 of the last 5 seasons.

I disagree. there is one other that can do what he does. his name is Christian McCaffrey. dude can run routes and he can run the ball obviously CMC is the better runner and Deebo the better WR but both players arguably have a similar skillset. They just happen to play a different position.

if anything I'd say CMC made deebo somewhat redundant. due to his age and this situation, the preference if I was 49'ers GM would be to sign Aiyuk and trade Deebo.

 

[travdogg]

Another problem Aiyuk has when it comes to getting an extension, is that he's the most replaceable of the 49ers weapons. CMC and Kittle (arguably) are the best guys in the NFL at their positions. Deebo is a 1 of 1 weapon. Aiyuk (while a better man coverage beater and route runner than Deebo) is just a very good traditional WR. His advantage is being the youngest of the group, but I'd very much argue he's also the least talented of the group. That's not an insult by any means, but I feel like if I were ranking importance to the offense, its:

1. CMC
2. Kittle
3. Deebo
4. Aiyuk

As an aside, sometimes I think Deebo Samuel is vastly underrated. There's literally not another player in the NFL who can do what he does. Hell, I truly think if Deebo were to commit to being a full-time RB, he'd be a top-5 guy. I think the guff Deebo gets for not having a good game in the Super Bowl is unwarranted, and more about Trent McDuffie being awesome then Deebo coming up short. I thought the 49ers biggest offensive issue in that game (and in most losses) is underusing George Kittle.

ETA: Ideally, they keep Aiyuk and Deebo together long-term. Nobody in the NFL has better offensive weapons, and they've been in the final 4 in all but 1 of the last 5 seasons.

I disagree. there is one other that can do what he does. his name is Christian McCaffrey. dude can run routes and he can run the ball obviously CMC is the better runner and Deebo the better WR but both players arguably have a similar skillset. They just happen to play a different position.

if anything I'd say CMC made deebo somewhat redundant. due to his age and this situation, the preference if I was 49'ers GM would be to sign Aiyuk and trade Deebo.

I'd 100% disagree that CMC made Deebo redundant. I think they make each other more effective because its very hard to account for both.

 

[Ray_T]

Another problem Aiyuk has when it comes to getting an extension, is that he's the most replaceable of the 49ers weapons. CMC and Kittle (arguably) are the best guys in the NFL at their positions. Deebo is a 1 of 1 weapon. Aiyuk (while a better man coverage beater and route runner than Deebo) is just a very good traditional WR. His advantage is being the youngest of the group, but I'd very much argue he's also the least talented of the group. That's not an insult by any means, but I feel like if I were ranking importance to the offense, its:

1. CMC
2. Kittle
3. Deebo
4. Aiyuk

As an aside, sometimes I think Deebo Samuel is vastly underrated. There's literally not another player in the NFL who can do what he does. Hell, I truly think if Deebo were to commit to being a full-time RB, he'd be a top-5 guy. I think the guff Deebo gets for not having a good game in the Super Bowl is unwarranted, and more about Trent McDuffie being awesome then Deebo coming up short. I thought the 49ers biggest offensive issue in that game (and in most losses) is underusing George Kittle.

ETA: Ideally, they keep Aiyuk and Deebo together long-term. Nobody in the NFL has better offensive weapons, and they've been in the final 4 in all but 1 of the last 5 seasons.

I disagree. there is one other that can do what he does. his name is Christian McCaffrey. dude can run routes and he can run the ball obviously CMC is the better runner and Deebo the better WR but both players arguably have a similar skillset. They just happen to play a different position.

if anything I'd say CMC made deebo somewhat redundant. due to his age and this situation, the preference if I was 49'ers GM would be to sign Aiyuk and trade Deebo.

I'd 100% disagree that CMC made Deebo redundant. I think they make each other more effective because its very hard to account for both.

stats say otherwise. deebo had 1400 yards receiving and 350 yards rushing the year prior to CMC's arrival and hes come nowhere close to those numbers since. granted there is more to football than just stats but its an indicator

 

[menobrown]

I don’t get what Lamar has to do with this convo?

A helpful example of false equivalence?

Elementary. Lamar was smart and paved the way for other elite players. If Lamar played and got injured, he wouldn't get paid the big long term contract.
Similarly, SF making a business decision to pay Aiyuk far less than he's worth, Aiyuk could make the same business decision to finish 2024. His position next offseason will be much stronger finishing the season healthy.

Except Lamar played all the way up until he legitimately got hurt so again I don't at all understand why he's been brought up in the context of a player faking an injury to sit out.

I think what he's getting at is speculation that he could have come back to play if he had his contract. Lots of rumors that he didn't want to risk injury without the contract.

But the truth is we can't really know if this has happened because a player wouldn't come out and say it.

Last year Jonathan Taylor was placed on PUP with rumors that it was only because of the contract. Then he signs and is good to go. IMO it was clearly contract related, but we don't know. Ultimately the desire to win didn't scare off Indy.

Leveon Bell sat out a whole year, but still got paid.

The truth is there is likely no example of an elite player in his prime getting blackballed after a contract dispute. Because it almost certainly has never happened.

As long as Aiyuk is healthy next year he will get paid.

These are a bunch of wild stretches to me. Especially the one involving Lamar.

The truth is there is no example because we have no history of a player knowingly faking an injury to not play over a contract dispute.