Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers is currently awaiting a contract extension. According to ESPN, the 49ers considered trading Aiyuk before and during the NFL Draft but decided to keep him. Last spring, the team picked up Aiyuk’s fifth-year option, guaranteeing him $14.1 million for the 2024 season.

Aiyuk wants a new deal, and the 49ers want to keep him long-term, but money has become a significant obstacle. Brandon Aiyuk recently showed his support for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins by reposting Higgins’ Instagram post on his story.

Brandon Aiyuk shares Higgins’ cryptic post

Higgins had posted, “I tell em no, they can’t wait to call me selfish…” with pictures of himself working out and out at night. This post hints at Higgins’ frustration over his contract situation, and Brandon’s repost suggests he shares similar feelings as he is waiting for the update of his contract.

49ers general manager John Lynch expressed his commitment to keeping the team’s core players. On the “Pat McAfee Show,” he stated, “I’m doing everything in my power to keep our roster together. When you talk about guys like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo (Samuel), those are guys that we drafted, and we take a lot of pride in what they’ve become and who they’ve become. We couldn’t be more proud of those guys.”

Lynch made it clear that the 49ers value their core players, who helped lead the team to the Super Bowl. However, financial constraints are now a significant issue. As things stand, Aiyuk is likely to remain with the 49ers in 2024 due to his contract. However, this could change if Brandon decides to hold out. If the 49ers choose to trade Brandon, several teams would be interested. 

Aiyuk is expected to secure a substantial contract eventually. He had a standout year, with 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. In a similar situation, Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals also faces uncertainty.

Tee Higgins faces franchise tag dilemma

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins, who requested a trade in March. If no long-term deal is reached by July 15, Higgins will play under the franchise tag, which guarantees him $21.816 million for one year. Higgins has had an impressive career with the Bengals, catching 257 passes for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns over four seasons.

Despite missing five games due to injury last season, Tee remains a crucial part of the Bengals’ offense, forming a strong trio with quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins played a significant role in the Bengals’ 2021 AFC title run, performing well in the playoffs and Super Bowl.

Both Aiyuk and Higgins are vital to their teams but face uncertain futures. The Bengals and 49ers want to keep these talented players, but financial and contractual issues complicate matters. As Aiyuk and Higgins navigate their contract negotiations, their situations highlight the challenges players face in securing their futures while maintaining their value to their teams.