Looking into 49ers' rookie extension candidates and what they might get

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

Prediction: 4 years, $80 million ($35 million guaranteed)

Long term, the Niners may have to decide between Brandon Aiyuk and fellow wideout Deebo Samuel, although it's pretty clear the former has a much better chemistry with Brock Purdy. That's important.

For now, with some cap wiggling, San Francisco can likely fit Aiyuk's extension into the books, which will make 2024 doable despite putting pressure on the team's 2025 cap situation (another problem for another time).

Spotrac suggests Aiyuk's market value would be a four-year deal worth $91.97 million, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him seek an annual average of $25 million-plus. The 49ers may be able to get around that by offering more guaranteed money ($35 million) while cutting the annual average down to $20 million.

In many cases, guaranteed money is what players and agents typically seek most.

While some may classify it as a hometown discount, Aiyuk's trajectory is on the rise, and his prominence as a No. 1 target is something the Niners should capitalize on now.