How CeeDee Lamb’s deal affects 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys possibly tightened the screws on the San Francisco 49ers after they gave star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb a massive contract extension on Monday.Â
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lamb and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $136M deal. This makes him the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history behind Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson. The contract includes a $38M signing bonus, the largest ever given to a WR.
ESPN Sources: Cowboys and All-Pro WR CeeDee Lamb reached agreement today on a record four-year, $136 million deal that now makes him the second highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. The deal includes a $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever given to a wide receiver.
Tory… pic.twitter.com/sROENDZJ22
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2024
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk, who has held in during training camp and preseason, could command a similar deal.
Along with Lamb, Aiyuk is considered one of the league’s top pass-catchers. In 16 games last season, the 26-year-old had 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches, earning a second-team All-Pro nod. Â
Aiyuk and the 49ers can’t seem to agree on the right price. According to The Athletic’s David Lombardi, the former first-round pick still wants more money, but the 49ers want to preserve cap space for a potential extension for third-year QB Brock Purdy.
The 49ers are in a tight financial position after they paid edge-rusher Nick Bosa (five years, $170M) last offseason. Over The Cap.com estimates San Francisco will be $38.9M over the cap in 2025.
Lombardi added the 49ers have explored potential Aiyuk trades with multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, sending the wideout elsewhere seems like a move they would regret.
Per ESPN’s Ben Solak, since 2022, Purdy has recorded a 32.6% explosive play rate (passes of 20 yards or more) when targeting Aiyuk. Purdy averages an 18.3% explosive play rate when targeting WR Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey. Â
Aiyuk’s absence clearly impacted Purdy during the preseason. He completed 11 of 18 passes for 107 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception, posting a below-average 54.6 passer rating.
The 49ers will probably have to shell out a gargantuan contract for Aiyuk after Lamb’s extension. Still, extending him should be a worthwhile investment. He clearly plays a crucial role in their offense and could help them make a second straight Super Bowl trip.
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