49ers GM Sends Forceful Message to Brandon Aiyuk Despite ‘Challenges
On Tuesday at the NFL draft combine in Indianapolis, John Lynch took to the microphone and sent a firm message to the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk: We want you to stay put. That is obviously evident, but it is unclear whether Lynch and the 49ers can make it happen given the limitations of their compensation structure.
Also unclear is if Aiyuk wants to stay in San Francisco at all.
But let’s start with Lynch’s comments at the combine, where he acknowledged the 49ers’ “challenges” while also emphasizing the team’s track record of signing players.
“We have some challenges,” Lynch told Pro Football Talk. “We have a lot of good players, and we have rewarded them. Brandon is someone we hold in high regard, and his attitude to the game makes him one of my favorites in our building. He is a competitor. He is a warrior. He plays with physicality and grace in the positions his body can take.
He also has a knack for making plays when they count the most, and he’s done an excellent job for us as a franchise. And I believe we have a good track record of extending key players, and Brandon is someone we want to retain around for a long time.
49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Had a Breakout Year
There’s lots of reasons for Lynch to want Aiyuk in San Francisco. Last year, Aiyuk totaled 1,342 yards on 75 catches, ranking second in the NFL at 17.9 yards per catch. He appeared to have a solid chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy throughout the season, particularly with the team’s other top receiver, Deebo Samuel, who was injured for two games and missed parts of others.
But Aiyuk will not be inexpensive. Even with the $30 million salary cap increase, it will be difficult for San Francisco to find enough money to keep Aiyuk, who turns 26 next month and is already a top 5-10 receiver in the NFL.
Technically, Aiyuk is under contract for his fifth-year option next season at $14 million. The 49ers could try to re-sign him next season at that salary, but there is almost no chance he will accept a new contract. Spotrac predicts Aiyuk to earn $23 million per year and a four-year deal extension worth $92 million.
The 49ers could structure things such that Aiyuk can play this year—with a chance to return to the Super Bowl—but they would almost surely have to make modifications next season as their payroll grows.
Seeking an Escape From San Francisco?
There’s also the issue of whether Aiyuk wants to be back, a puzzling one, no doubt. Aiyuk was the leading receiver on a team that includes stars Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, plus versatile running back Christian McCaffrey. There are only so many plays in a game, but it appeared Aiyuk was unhappy with how much he was being used.
Draysean Hudson, Aiyuk’s close buddy, pointed out earlier this month that Aiyuk only had three catches in the Super Bowl, adding, “This is the exact reason why we are leaving San Francisco.”
That sounded harsh, of course. However, it was his third consecutive postseason game with only three catches.
When those posts were brought up with Aiyuk, he did not try to dismiss them, saying he would only continue with the 49ers if it was “the right move.” He also appeared upset on social media about his lack of postseason catches, writing, “Don’t forget what got you there.”
It’s a tricky scenario for the 49ers, exacerbated by Aiyuk’s post-Super Bowl social media activities. But Lynch, for one, is still optimistic he’ll return.
