The 49ers are missing several key offensive players for OTAs. Christian McCaffrey and Jawan Jennings will also be absent. The reason for the absence of CMC is not known. Jennings has yet to tender his restricted contract.
Ayuck is set to earn $14.124 million with a fifth-year option in 2024. With 18 WRs making north of $20 million a year, Ayuck is underpaid relative to his value. Amon-Ra St. Brown’s roughly $30 million a year in new money in the wideout camp could indicate where the average Ayuck should be. The Niners could counter that St. Brown’s number is higher than Iuck’s and Debo Samuel’s is only $23.85 million. Had Ayuk been in a ball-tying offense like the Lions’ St. Brown, the numbers might have been higher. Can you see how negotiations can get circular at this point?
Rumors swirled during the 2024 NFL draft that Ayuk or Samuel could be traded. In the end, the Niners stalled, giving quarterback Brock Purdy relief.
“The draft is going on and stuff, and obviously you’re excited to get guys that you’re drafting, but at the same time, you’re like, ‘Dang dude, some trade stuff might happen and whatever,'” Purdy said. “But like I said, that’s all out of my control. I was just sitting there waiting to see what our team was going to do and everything. My job is to get there and try to rip for the open guy. Win games. So that’s my mindset, but I love my guys and we’re all in this together. I hope we can play.
The Niners seem willing to play things out in 2024 and decide next year. The question is whether they can convince Ayuk to go that route in search of another Super Bowl run, or if the wideout will have an extended stay.