Former NFL Champion WR Weighs in on Brandon Aiyuk Situation With 49ers

Former New England Patriots star Julian Edelman believes Brandon Aiyuk should stay in San Francisco this season.

Ahead of the 49ers preseason matchup with the New Orleans Saints, Edelman told Fox Sports that Aiyuk should think of the long-term gain by staying with his current team.

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“If I was Brandon Aiyuk, I would be at San Francisco Week 1,” Edelman said. “Usually, a team goes out and wins a Super Bowl and everyone tries to get paid. They haven’t won a Super Bowl yet, but everyone is trying to get paid. So if they can have the mental toughness, which means having the ability to do what’s best for the team when it’s not necessarily best for you. I’m just telling you, there is a jackpot at the end of the rainbow that is a huge payday if they can go out and get it done.

San Francisco is in a unique situation since the 49ers have a star-studded lineup, but are still on the hunt for a Super Bowl.

Players want to get paid for their value to the team, which is certainly a fair point. Aiyuk recorded 1,342 receiving yards in 75 receptions, a team-high in both categories. The wideout was also tied for most receiving touchdowns in San Francisco with seven.

Nevertheless, Edelman also brings up a great point. Members of championship teams are all required to make sacrifices along the way. This may be Aiyuk’s ultimate test.

Edelman’s resume certainly gives the former receiver the ability to speak on the ongoing contract situation. Edelman is a three-time Super Bowl champion and was named the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl LIII. He understands what it takes to play for a winning team.

General manager John Lynch also shared that the 49ers want Aiyuk to stay in San Francisco, but Lynch didn’t reveal why the negotiations have taken so long.

Aiyuk’s teammate, Deebo Samuel, even commented on the situation insisting that the fellow receiver would be with the 49ers this season.

The issue now seems to be centered on guaranteed money as well as the number of years on Aiyuk’s long-term contract extension with San Francisco.

Three weeks remain before the regular season kicks off, but the 49ers still haven’t secured the Arizona State product.

All in all, it comes down to one question. Can Aiyuk sacrifice his own contract details, for the sake of his team?