Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports recently identified undervalued stars for every NFC team, naming Aiyuk as the 49ers' most underappreciated player.
"Not only are these players performing at a high level, the value of their contracts significantly benefits the overall roster," Kerr noted.
Aiyuk has indeed outperformed his rookie contract, earning $12.5 million over his first four seasons. He is set to earn $14.124 million on a team-exercised fifth-year option—a bargain for a player of his caliber—but hopes a new deal will significantly increase his annual salary.
"The 49ers have not given Aiyuk a contract extension yet, but this should have been taken care of months ago," Kerr wrote. "Aiyuk proved in 2023 he's the best wide receiver on the 49ers after having the best season of his career."
Aiyuk led the 49ers with 1,342 receiving yards last season, the seventh-most in the NFL. Kerr notes that the 49ers wideout joined Jerry Rice as the only players in franchise history with seven or more games with 100 or more receiving yards in a season.
"He averaged 3.1 yards per route run in 2023, the third-best rate in the NFL behind Tyreek Hill and Nico Collins (minimum 400 routes)," Kerr continued. "Aiyuk was second in the league in yards per catch (17.9) and led the NFL in percentage of catches going for a first [down] or touchdown (81.3%).
"Aiyuk is the first player in 49ers' history with 55+ catches, 740+ yards, and 5+ touchdowns in each of his first four seasons. He's 11th in receiving yards (2,357), 16th in yards per catch (15.4), and tied for 11th in receiving touchdowns (15) over the last two seasons -- all while being the No. 2 wideout on a stacked 49ers roster."
Few would now consider Aiyuk the No. 2 wideout on the 49ers roster. Most believe the 26-year-old has become more valuable to the team than Deebo Samuel, who signed his own extension two years ago.
"Playing under the fifth-year option on his rookie deal at $14.124 million, Aiyuk is worth significantly more than what he'll make this season," Kerr added. "With the wide receiver market booming, Aiyuk deserves to get a hefty raise -- from the 49ers or someone else."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Trent Williams explains why Deebo Samuel could be better than ever
Tackle Trent Williams is among the many San Francisco 49ers players excited to have wide receiver Deebo Samuel back on the roster. During Thursday night's broadcast of the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, the veteran offensive lineman went so far as to say that the... -
Why Kyle Shanahan felt comfortable sitting the 49ers starters vs. Titans
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins is projected to start this season, and he played Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans. Aside from Collins, however, the rest of the 49ers' projected starters sat out the preseason opener. Meanwhile, the Titans played... -
Colton McKivitz praises George Kittle, highlights Kaelon Black's impact on 49ers run game
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz was glad to see a couple of familiar faces back on the practice field Sunday. Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after a planned absence, while tight end George Kittle continued his impressive recovery from the Achilles... -
49ers Rookie Kaelon Black Has Chance to Seize RB2 Role Against Chargers
Many starters are in line to play tonight for the San Francisco 49ers as they take the field for their second preseason game, this time against the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Mike Evans are both dealing with tightness, while tight...