John Lynch pays Brandon Aiyuk the perfect compliment as 49ers confirm four-year extension

The San Francisco 49ers made it official on Friday, confirming they had signed All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year contract extension .

Aiyuk's long impasse with the 49ers finally came to an end on Thursday, with the two sides coming to terms on a deal worth $120 million.

That resolution came after an extremely fractious negotiation in which it was apparent at multiple points that Aiyuk did not feel appropriately valued by San Francisco.

But, after handing Aiyuk a deal that makes him the fifth-highest paid receiver in the league by average annual value, general manager John Lynch paid the 2020 first-round pick the perfect compliment that encapsulates just how important he is to the 49ers.

"We were thrilled to draft Brandon in 2020 and are now equally excited to have him in the fold for years to come," Lynch said in a statement.

"Brandon is a special talent who is a warrior on the field and plays with a passion that we look for in 49ers. We look forward to Brandon continuing to be part of what we strive to accomplish as an organization."

The word warrior is an ideal one to sum up Aiyuk, who has become widely regarded not just for the damage he does as a route-runner in being able to beat all kinds of coverage, but also for his toughness in going over the middle of the field and the outstanding effort he brings to the table in the blocking game.

At points during his lengthy saga, it appeared as if the 49ers might be willing to accept parting with the all-round impact Aiyuk provides, having agreed trade frameworks with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now that they have reached the outcome that was always the most desirable for both parties, Aiyuk can focus on proving why he is worthy of such high praise from Lynch and why his very lucrative deal may eventually prove to be a bargain for the 49ers .

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