The 49ers’ dynasty dreams were sizzling like a perfectly marinated salmon at a Texas BBQ. But now? The grill’s gone cold, and the smoke smells suspiciously like regret. Think The Office’s Michael Scott declaring bankruptcy—yelling it doesn’t make it so. San Francisco’s front office is stuck replaying their tryst with Brandon Aiyuk’s contract drama, and fans are left wondering if the team’s spice mix needs a recipe overhaul.
Regret on the menu: The 49ers’ front office isn’t just salty—they’re full-on bitter about how much they’ve had to spend. According to The SF Standard’s Tim Kawakami, frustration lingers over Brandon Aiyuk’s $30M/year deal signed last August. “I know that there’s still frustration about the way Brandon Aiyuk handled his bitter negotiations last summer,” Kawakami reported. “Members of the front office were never thrilled about giving him a $30-million-a-year deal on the eve of the regular season.” However, there was a build-up.
Aiyuk’s extension felt like swallowing a lemon wedge. After a bitter hold-in and podcast rants, the 49ers caved days before the 2024 season. But Kawakami notes the front office still winces at the deal. But the worst thing of all?
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Aiyuk’s torn ACL in October left the Niners paying top dollar for a rehabbing star. It’s like ordering a steak and getting tofu—nobody’s happy. Even Nick Bosa’s $170M mega-deal leaves a bad taste.
“For a team that absolutely hates setting contract precedents, probably doesn’t feel great in retrospect for buckling and giving Nick Bosa $34 million a year [and $120 million guaranteed]—which still stands as the highest salary and most guaranteed money in the league among defensive players,” Kawakami said, but Bosa’s holdout forced their hand.
With Purdy’s extension looming, the 49ers fear another financial food fight. Meanwhile, Deebo Samuel’s rocky relationship hit its finale.
Samuel, 29, was “20 pounds overweight at times last season, which at least partially led to his dramatic drop in production and sure doesn’t indicate that he’s still in his prime,” per Kawakami and The San Francisco Standard, and both sides are ready to part ways. Enter the Washington Commanders—hungry for a playoff upgrade.
Fresh off a 12-5 season (their best since Friends aired), they’re eyeing Samuel to pair with rookie QB Jayden Daniels. DraftKings slots them at +750 odds for Samuel. GM Adam Peters, Samuel’s former Niners colleague, could cook up a reunion.
To end a 33-year-long dearth of Super Bowl, the Commanders’ offense needs spice, and Samuel’s versatility fits Kliff Kingsbury’s playbook like guacamole on a burger. But there’s a catch: Trading Samuel costs the Niners $16M in dead cap. They’ll likely cut him post-June 1, saving $5M. Washington could swoop in, avoiding trade costs.
The 49ers’ kitchen is messy—regret over Aiyuk, Samuel’s exit, and Bosa’s bill. Meanwhile, Washington has stocked its pantry for a feast. But can the Commanders handle Samuel’s energy? Or will this trade turn into another disappointing finale from a chartbuster? Kyle Shanahan’s next contract move might just be a Michelin-star meal or a burnt toast disaster.
