There are several angles involving the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk's potential (expected) contract extension. One of them is getting out ahead of the deals of Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and Tee Higgins, as those contracts figure to reset the market.
Looking back, the 49ers have shown a strategic approach to contract extensions, often finalizing them closer to August rather than May. This was the case with Deebo Samuel, Fred Warner, and George Kittle. In fact, Nick Bosa’s record-breaking extension wasn’t announced until September.
The Athletic’s Mike Sando spoke with an NFL executive who factored in the strength of the NFL Draft at wide receiver and how that could influence the 49ers’ decision to extend Aiyuk:
Aiyuk is so integral to what they do, more so than Deebo Samuel is, that I’d try to get something done with him before Justin Jefferson and these other receivers get deals and the price goes up.