Brandon Aiyuk Photo via @OurSf49ers Twitter)
Cameras caught an interesting interaction between San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan at practice on Wednesday.
Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade from the 49ers two weeks ago, with talks on a contract extension going nowhere. The 2020 first-round pick is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.
#49ers Brandon Aiyuk walks onto the field and headed straight to John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan 🤝 pic.twitter.com/JPdTzwDv92
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) July 31, 2024
Was Aiyuk just being professional to avoid unwanted conflict and tension, or is it a sign that the two sides are getting close to a contract extension? Interpret the interaction however you wish.
Brock Purdy on Brandon Aiyuk being on the NFL’s Top 100 for 2024:
“Brandon Aiyuk should definitely be on this list. His ability to run after the catch is insane. The deep balls this year, I feel like he’s been really good at. Obviously he’s a guy that’s got a second gear who can… pic.twitter.com/qXHULmbpue
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 1, 2024
The 49ers haven’t at all indicated that they’re open to the idea of trading Aiyuk, who’s coming off a career year (75 receptions, 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns). And don’t forget that fellow All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel requested a trade two years ago, only to reach an agreement with the 49ers on a three-year extension.
Over his first four NFL seasons, Aiyuk has 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has exceeded the 70-catch and 1,000-yard marks in each of the last two years.
49ers Are Better Off Keeping Brandon Aiyuk
The 49ers already have the league’s best running back (Christian McCaffrey) and arguably the second-best tight end (George Kittle). But Samuel and Aiyuk are a top-five WR tandem in football, and the latter’s explosiveness and YAC production have really helped this 49ers offense reach another level since 2022.
Aiyuk is the 49ers’ best offensive player after McCaffrey, and Brock Purdy wouldn’t be playing like an MVP candidate without him. So at the end of the day, the 49ers’ best bet is to pay Aiyuk what he wants and keep the core together.
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