NFL Expert Details Brandon Aiyuk's Contract, Trade Market and 49ers Salary Cap Impact

Brandon Aiyuk is just 25 years old and coming off the best season of his career, which means he could theoretically be a franchise cornerstone for the San Francisco 49ers for the foreseeable future.

But first they have to figure out the financial aspects of keeping him.

Dan Graziano of ESPN noted "Aiyuk's situation looms the largest over this 49ers offseason, and if they can't find a way to a contract extension, the talented wideout could theoretically ask to be traded to a team that's willing and able to pay him."

He explained San Francisco enters the offseason approximately $7.5 million over the projected salary cap, which is something the front office will have to address. The wide receiver is set to make $14.1 million in the final year of his deal in 2024, but Graziano noted an extension could drop his cap number for the upcoming season by as much as $10 million.

Yet he also cautioned having too much of a cap hit in future years with such an extension is a risky move since Brock Purdy will be up for a contract extension after the 2024 campaign.

For now, it remains to be seen whether the 49ers will ultimately sign Aiyuk to an extension or even look to trade him this offseason as a way to avoid such a financial commitment. However, it certainly turned some heads after the team's Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs when he told reporters he would like to remain "if it's a right move" and posted a cryptic Instagram Story:

There may have been some frustration involved after tallying just three catches in each of San Francisco's three postseason games, but the reigning NFC champions will be much better if he is on the roster in 2024 and beyond.

After all, he just posted 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, which were all team-best marks.

He might only improve given his age, which adds another layer to the 49ers' decision-making process.