Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers have had a lot of roster turnover this offseason. In the WR room, Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders.

The 49ers have decided to roll with Brandon Aiyuk as the No. 1 WR, but he was put on the hot seat after the latest NFL news.

On Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to extensions with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Per Jordan Schultz, Chase got a four-year, $161 million extension with $112 million guaranteed, earning $40.25 million annually. Meanwhile, Higgins got a four-year, $115 million deal.

Last August, San Francisco and Aiyuk agreed on a four-year, $120 million deal ($30 million annually). That number is currently tied with Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill.

Brandon Aiyuk is One of the Highest Paid WRs in NFL

This past season, Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL with damage to his meniscus. That injury happened in October against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 49ers hope Aiyuk’s rehab is flawless and he’s ready to ball in 2024. They will need him to be the No. 1 WR they paid him to be. Over five seasons with San Francisco, he’s recorded 294 catches (446 targets) for 4,305 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns.

In his career, Aiyuk has only gone over 1,000 yards twice. With the number that he’s getting paid, the 49ers need that to become more of the norm. All the receivers who make at least $30 million a year are the focal point of their team’s passing attack.

While Aiyuk has shown flashes of that, it hasn’t been consistent. Going forward, San Francisco will need that from him to justify that contract. If not, this deal will age poorly, reflecting badly on Aiyuk and the organization. And that’s something neither side wants to happen.