After months of talk, the Brandon Aiyuk saga has come to an end. Despite multiple reported trade talks which fell through, Aiyuk will remain in San Francisco, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport on a "front-loaded" four-year, $120 million deal.
It comes with a reported $78 million in guaranteed money.
It's a deal which keeps one of San Francisco's young, rising stars coming off an All-Pro season as Brock Purdy's preferred weapon. He was arguably the most efficient wide receiver in the league, averaging nearly 18 yards per catch, racking up 1,342 yards and 7 TDs on 75 catches.
Now, the focus turns to future Hall of Famer Trent Williams, who continues to hold out. The 49ers' focus can turn fully to him without the Aiyuk question lingering.
The 49ers have some major decisions to face with the oldest roster in the NFL and Brock Purdy in for a contract extension that should pay him north of $55 million per year, but they opted to retain the 26-year-old receiver despite on- and off-field antics. Aiyuk, one of the young stars, can now serve as something of a bridge to the next era.
This could also mean Deebo Samuel could be playing his final year in San Francisco, depending on how the season goes. The 49ers would save north of $9 million by trading him before June 1 next year, and north of $17 million after June 1.