Brandon Aiyuk’s blockbuster extension with the San Francisco 49ers could rob Brock Purdy of a key offensive piece as Trent Williams awaits a deal of his own.
On Thursday, Aiyuk agreed an enormous four-year deal worth $120 million to stay in the Bay Area. The receiver will now return to practice after agreeing on a front-loaded deal that will see him earn $76 million guaranteed and $47 million between signing and April 1, 2025.
Aiyuk - whose saga has been a key narrative across the offseason - reportedly accepted the same deal that has been on the table since August. 10. His publicized hold-in did not alter any part of his new contract, although this is denied by his agent Ryan Williams.
Upon the announcement of the deal, Aiyuk’s agent Williams took to Instagram with a screenshot of his FaceTime with the receiver, along with the caption: “We worked hard for that smile @brandonaiyuk!!!!!!”
However, the Williams situation isn't getting any clearer for the 49ers as the 2024 NFL season rapidly approaches, with Week 1 commencing next week. San Francisco’s star left tackle is yet to report to camp, which represents a major blow to Purdy and his offense.
The 36-year-old wants big money to reflect his importance to the franchise, who have gone 3-6 in his absence since acquiring the tackle from the Washington Commanders in 2020. Last season, the 49ers lost both games Williams missed and also fell in Week 6 versus the Cleveland Browns when he went down injured in the first quarter.
Despite his age, Williams is coming off three straight First-team All-Pro selections. While Aiyuk is a positive move for the 49ers offense, Purdy and co. arguably need Williams more - and Purdy would likely prioritize having a star offensive lineman protecting his blind side who can keep him safe.
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However, the NFC West franchise is embroiled in cap hell. Without taking into account Aiyuk’s lucrative extension, the 49ers are projected to be $38.9 million over the cap next season - and there’s still Williams’ renegotiation and Purdy’s own extension on the horizon .
Williams still has three years on his deal - $20.05 million this year, $22.5 million in 2025, and $32.1 million in 2026. But none of these are guaranteed, and he is yet to appear at any 49ers offseason activities including training camp and preseason, accruing fines in the process.
When he signed an extension with the team a few years ago, Williams became the highest-paid offensive tackle in the game. He has since been passed by a number of younger players, and he is looking for a bumper payday given his veteran age. But without Williams, the 49ers offensive line is severely lacking; the depth chart currently features LT Jaylon Moore, LG Aaron Banks, C Jake Brendel, RG Dominick Puni, and RT Colton McKivitz.
Purdy, Aiyuk, and the 49ers will hope Williams suits up for Week 1 against the New York Jets and their fearsome front seven on Monday, Sept. 10. If not, Purdy could be in for a long night.
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