After blowing a 10-point lead and narrowly losing in Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers face a somewhat murky future.
When they lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl four years ago, they were a young team on the way up, but now, they’re a veteran team that may only have a one or two-year window to win it all.
The 49ers are well over the salary cap, and stud wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is eligible for a contract extension, yet all he could say when asked if he would like to stay with them was “if that’s the right move,” per Ian Rapoport.
Heading into the final year of his contract… https://t.co/ATnOZbD5y0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 13, 2024
Aiyuk, the No. 25 pick in the 2020 draft, has emerged as a major threat in San Francisco’s offense, and he has gradually increased his production each season.
He went from 1,015 yards to 1,342 yards this season while increasing his yards per catch rate from 13.0 to 17.9, which was second in the NFL this season.
He developed into something of a security blanket for quarterback Brock Purdy, and if he and the 49ers cannot come to terms on a new contract, his absence would loom large after next season when he could become a free agent.
There isn’t a whole lot of room for improvement for the 49ers on offense, as they were third in points and second in both total yards and passing touchdowns this season.
Indeed, it may be their defense that needs more improvement, as they were unable to contain Patrick Mahomes and crew in crunch time on Sunday.
NEXT: Brandon Aiyuk's Brother Posts Concerning Message About WR's Future